Journals of Rezekne Academy of Technologies
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN SOCIAL WORK STUDIES
Full text linkApplying flexible and innovative teaching methods allows to improve the content of learning and education, as well as its quality and relevance. Efforts are made to provide as many opportunities for distance learning and virtual mobility as possible by using the benefits provided by new technologies, improving the training process and adapting it to each individual. A case study strategy was chosen, as the study consists of one separate object which is one higher school that implements the Social Work study program. The conducted research is of the "one-time cross-section" type, as it is dedicated for a specific purpose, namely, the modernization of the social work study program. In 2022 - 2023, semi-structured interviews were made with students of the Social Work Program participating in an international project on the application of innovative technologies in social work. The purpose of the research is to reveal aspects of the practical application of information technologies in the process of social work studies.Based on the findings obtained during the interviews and the research presented in the theoretical part about the application of information technologies in the study process, information technologies were divided into three groups of tools: technical tools, digital content creation tools, communication, and collaboration tools. The research found that the following technical tools are used the most and most often during lectures: computer, smartphone, camera, sound speakers, microphone with integrated speaker, Bluetooth headphones, projector, printer, high-speed Internet connection and wireless (wifi) network. It was found that students use text editors, calculators, the tools for video creation, presentation creation, quiz creation and survey assessment programs during lectures. Most often, 3-5 times a week, students use the following means of communication and collaboration: social networks, audio, and video storage, learning environments, laboratories, conferences, chat programs.
PORTFOLIO OF RESEARCH PROJECTS AS A PREROGATIVE OF UNIVERSITIES TO ENSURE FINANCIAL AUTONOMY
Full text linkThe growing role of higher education in modern society and the expansion of the boundaries of science require a change in the models of university funding through the integration of certain corporate governance mechanisms. Of particular importance is the ability of universities to attract funding, including from private sources, by combining basic and applied research. It is critical for universities to find an optimal balance between basic and applied research when making decisions on launching new projects and programmes or adjusting existing ones.The purpose of the article is to determine the peculiarities of forming a balanced portfolio of research projects to ensure the financial autonomy of modern universities.The scientific research uses general scientific and special methods, in particular: analysis and synthesis; comparison, systematisation and generalisation, and the graphical method to clearly present the theoretical and practical provisions of the scientific article.The proposed approaches to assessing the university\u27s portfolio of technological innovation developments will contribute to the efficient use of limited resources, prioritisation, risk analysis and monitoring of results in the short and long term. This will create a network of partners to share knowledge, research and resources
VALUE OF INNOVATION IN LIFELONG LEARNING: PEDAGOGICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT
Full text linkThe key competences for lifelong learning have become an integral part of social work and the educational process in Ukraine. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the theoretical aspects of the developed strategies for implementing the competence framework for lifelong learning that are based on the fundamental international documents; analysed the value of this approach for the country\u27s development in general and in specific aspects (based on research and information on the efficiency of implemented projects in this area that are publicly available); and provided a detailed review of the main proposals for the implementation of lifelong learning programmes in the public sector, project activities, and other relevant measures. This made it possible to analyse the main directions of implementation of the relevant state policy, their compliance with the standards and vector of lifelong learning development in international practice, as well as to identify problems and prospects for the development of the Ukrainian state strategy for lifelong learning
THE INFLUENCE OF BODY POSITION ON THE SPEED OF A SIDE KICK IN KICKBOXING
Full text linkKickboxing is a combat sport where two types of fights occur: light-contact and full-contact. There is no limitation on the strength of kicks and punches in the latter type. In martial arts, athletes try to hit an opponent with as much speed and power as. The position of the upper body is indicated as the most important factor directly influencing the performance of the kicks. The aim of the research: to determine the effect of a change in the position of the upper body of a 14-16-year-old kickboxer on the time of execution of the side kick with the foot placed in front and the ground reaction force in the place, moving forward and in the counterattack, determining the time of the side kick and the ground reaction force of the take-off foot in three different upper body positions to give the execution time of each type of side kick and the ground reaction force of the take-off foot. The fastest side kick with the forward foot in place and moving forward will be in the upper body position 45° to the vertical axis, but performing side kick with the forward foot in counterattack and side kick moving forward from the position of the upper body 90˚ against the vertical axis was partially proved.
MEDICAL PERSONNEL AS THE KEY TO SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GREEN TRANSITION IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR
Full text linkTo implement the socially responsible green transition in the Healthcare sector, it is essential to involve competent and educated personnel/staff. Article 48 of the Medical Treatment Law (Ārstniecības likums) of the Republic of Latvia stipulates that a medical practitioner has a duty to regularly improve his or her professional qualifications. Article 1 also defines improvement of professional qualifications as part of post-graduate education in a specific profession or specialty, which occurs in accordance with a freely selected education program, though the content and time of acquisition of which is not regulated. However, it must be noted that almost all programs offered by the Ministry of the Health of the Republic of Latvia for the improvement of practitioners’ professional qualifications refer to the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to improve the process of treating patients. Although various international and national regulatory acts determine the obligations of state institutions to include the green transition into their operations, the involvement of the institution’s employees is not discussed. This study aims to analyze and reflect on the competence of medical personnel and students regarding patient treatment and to analyze the compliance of the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers with international and national regulations related to the creation of a socially responsible and sustainable state. UN Sustainable Development Goal Nr.4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” includes the necessity to ensure that all trainees acquire the knowledge and skill needed to promote sustainable development, including education regarding sustainable development and sustainable lifestyle. Within the scope of the research examples of positive foreign green transition practices will be evaluated. The results obtained within the framework of the research indicate the need to develop specific guidelines for the education of medical personnel, regarding the implementation of a socially responsible green transition in the healthcare sector, ensuring quality education in terms of promoting sustainable development.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CONTROLLED RELAXATION SYSTEM FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN – IT TECHNOLOGY THAT ADDRESSES SOCIAL ISSUES
Full text linkThe article presents the development and research of technological tools - a relaxation system for children with autism. The article describes the means and methods of emotional stabilization of children with autism spectrum disorders. The design, operation, and control of the relaxation system controlled by artificial intelligence with image processing and machine learning are described. The relaxation effect on children is carried out with audio-musical signals, by combining them with colored light and mechanical vibration of the back area. The practical research results are described, demonstrating the system\u27s effectiveness for children with autism spectrum disorders. Under normal conditions, if a child takes 3 to 4 hours to calm down, the relaxation system shortens this time to 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, the relaxation system controlled by artificial intelligence-based software, created by scientists from three Lithuanian universities and the students of Vilnius Kolegija, is presented as a technological tool designed to address social issues in society
MANAGING THE PANDEMIC IN CARE HOMES – OLDER PEOPLE\u27S PERSPECTIVE
No full textThe ageing population and the challenges it poses are becoming more and more pressing, both in Lithuania and in other European countries. This requires constant attention from researchers and institutions providing social services and education activities. A new challenge is the Covid - 19 pandemic, which has resulted in nursing homes banning visits to residents and restricting educational activities in order to protect the elderly. Residents were not allowed to see relatives and friends. The pandemic and the quarantine imposed in Lithuania caused stress and anxiety for the residents and the negative social consequences are still being felt even after the pandemic. Nine semi-structured interviews were carried out to reveal the attitudes of older people towards the management of the pandemic in care institutions and the peculiarities of communication in care homes during the quarantine. The research revealed that during quarantine, lonely older people were sensitive to a lack of opportunities for social communication, and felt a lack of closeness among people. As a result of the quarantine regime lonely older people felt unfulfilled, lost the ability to realize themselves through certain activities.
DOLPHIN ASSISTED THERAPY: WELFARE OF BOTH PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION AND PARTICIPATING DOLPHINS
Full text linkThe main aim of this research was to measure the effect of dolphin assisted therapy on both patients and participating dolphins. The research measured welfare of patients with depression and situational welfare of dolphins which participated in the dolphin assisted therapy programme. Patients with organic depression took part in two-week dolphin assisted therapy sessions. When measuring situational welfare of dolphins, the study sample consisted of nine individual dolphins (Tursiops truncatus ponticus, Lat.): three males and six females ranging from five to twenty years. The main research results revealed that psychosocial characteristics of patients with organic depression disorder as well as patients’ self-evaluation changed statistically significantly, the symptoms of depression decreased. The research revealed that patients were much more physically active during the period of participation in the dolphin assisted therapy process than before. The analysis of dolphin behaviour brought to the light that most of the therapy time dolphins behaved positively. There were noticed no therapy sessions where the dolphin behaviour would be evaluated as more negative than positive or just negative.
PECULIARITIES OF JUNIOR BALLROOM DANCERS’ MOTIVATION
Full text linkThe aim of this research is paid to the peculiarities of junior ballroom dancers’ motivation. The sample of the research consisted of 70 12-15-aged junior ballroom dancers – 40 girls and 30 boys. The sport motivation scale (SMS) was chosen in order to reveal this issue. The study revealed that the internal motivation of junior dancers was expressed more than the external motivation, but some statements that reflect the internal motivation were evaluated differently by the dancers. The dancers did not have a strong opinion – they doubted the statements of the external motivation subscales. The dancers mostly disagreed with the following statements: I dance because my friends and other people respect and appreciate me for it and I dance because I think it’s one of the best ways to make friends and communicate. The amotivation of the dancers was not strongly expressed. They did not doubt their success, why they were dancing and they had no thoughts that they will not achieve their intended purpose. The girls that dance ballroom dances have higher internal motivation – to find out and internal motivation – experience; meanwhile, the boys had stronger internal motivation – to strive for perfection. It was also revealed the external motivation – to get identified and coincide – was important for the junior dancers of the both groups.
HEI SUSTAINABLE COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA: E-COURSE EVALUATION VIA TRIANGULATION METHOD
Full text linkGiven that sustainable communication is already a complex phenomenon, the role of social media, currently growing rapidly, is underestimated by universities and academia. The present research aims at analysing the e-course “The power of social media in the professional development of teachers: personal brand, tools for educational products, promotion of sustainable development values” for HEIs teaching staff. The exploratory research was leveraged in this work for the e-course construction and evaluation. The exploratory empirical study was implemented in 2022-2023. The empirical study was built on the triangulation method referred to data collection and data analysis. The sample was composed by six trainers, 15 participants, and two experts. HEIs sustainable communication in social media is beneficial for all the involved as it supports just green transition, e.g. by lowering the carbon emissions by, for example, commuters, aimed at reducing climate impact and mitigating climate change. The empirical study allows drawing a conclusion that the e-course “The power of social media in the professional development of teachers: personal brand, tools for educational products, promotion of sustainable development values” for HEIs teaching staff was positively evaluated. The positive evaluation proposes that the e-course is effective and efficient