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Ateities turizmo rinkos: tarp skaitmenizacijos ir žmogiškumo – „Kavos kelio“ turizmo vizija.
No full textRelevance and novelty of the scientific approach. In recent decades, tourism has undergone fundamental chang-es that have changed the concept of travel and its social meaning. Global shocks – the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the effects of climate change – have not only limited physical movement, but also prompted a new rethinking of the value and motives of travel. The modern tourist increasingly perceives travel not only as a geographical movement; it becomes a way to make sense of his relationship with the world, to express values and choices related to responsibility, technology, and sustainability. Bekele and Raj (2025) argue that travel today is a social and cultural investment that reflects the traveller’s self-concept and worldview. This paradigm shift suggests that future tourism must combine innovation with the need for authentic experiences.Drawing on insights from Bekele and Raj (2025), Buhalis (2020; 2025), Gretzel (2022), OECD (2023), WTTC (2024), and others, the article discusses how digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions are shaping a new travel culture, while highlighting the paradox between technological convenience and the need for authen-tic experiences. It analyses the sustainability discourse, travellers’ ecological awareness, and the phenomenon of digital fatigue, which is increasingly encouraging a return to humanity. In order to reveal how digitalisation and humanity can be reconciled in future tourism models, the article introduces and evaluates the concept of the “Coffee Road” – a form of gastronomic tourism that emphasises the connection with local culture, traditions, and sustainable choices. It provides an insight that this concept can become an innovative tourism model in which technology complements, but does not replace, human experience.During the pandemic, the accelerating digitalisation has led to the integration of technology into almost all links of the tourism process. Buhalis (2025) emphasises that virtual experiences, artificial intelligence tools, and digital planning systems have become an indispensable part of the sector’s functioning. However, the dominance of tech-nology has also highlighted the paradoxes accompanying travel: disappearing spontaneity, decreasing connection with local culture, and increasing digital fatigue. In addition, the growing ecological awareness of travellers (Eu-ropean Travel Commission, 2024) and sustainability requirements are forcing the tourism sector to search for new, responsible, and culturally meaningful forms of experiences. Considering these processes, the direction of gastro-nomic tourism, which combines local culture, traditions, and social connection, is becoming relevant. The concept of the “Coffee Road” emerges as one of the innovative models that offers the opportunity to combine technology with humanity and sustainability. This concept allows us to analyse a broader question – how can tourism remain modern, but at the same time be able to create authentic, valuable experiences.Research problem. Modern tourism is experiencing a contradictory transformation: accelerating digitalisation in-creases the efficiency and accessibility of services, but at the same time weakens the dimensions of authentic travel experience – human connection, cultural depth, and spontaneity. Travellers, in response to the rise of technology and increasing digital fatigue, are increasingly seeking sustainable and culturally meaningful experiences. At the same time, sustainability requirements and ecological awareness are forcing the tourism sector to search for new models that would combine innovation with humanity. However, there is still a lack of theoretical insights into how these three dimensions – digitalisation, sustainability, and authentic experience – could be combined in one coherent tourism model. Therefore, the question arises whether gastronomic tourism, and in particular the “Coffee Road” concept, can become an effective solution in integrating these competing trends and offer a more sustainable direction for tourism in the future.The purpose of the study: to identify, based on scientific insights, the interaction of digitalisation, sustainability, and humanity in the tourism sector, highlighting the potential of the “Coffee Road” concept as an innovative model for future tourism.The results. The results of the study suggest that the value of future tourism will depend on the ability to maintain a balance between digitalisation and authentic experience. Technologies will be effective only to the extent that they enhance the content of travel, without turning travel into a purely technological process. Gastronomic tourism models, such as the “Coffee Road”, can significantly contribute to the humanisation of travel and strengthening cultural connections, as their essence is based on a connection with tradition, local people, history, and emotional experience, which cannot be algorithmically recreated.Future prospects show that the tourism sector will have to solve several interrelated tasks: consistently integrate innovations so that they do not replace humanity, but complement it; reduce the ecological footprint of technolo-gies and ensure their sustainable application; create tourism models that preserve cultural identity and local expe-riences; and strengthen travellers’ ability to responsibly choose and value authentic, lived experiences. It can be concluded that travel will remain meaningful to the extent that it allows travellers to experience the world through people, culture, and real, non-algorithmic emotions. Tourism that is able to combine technological advancement, sustainability, and human values will have the greatest potential to become a resilient, ethical, and meaningful sector of the future
The role of mindfulness and positive body image in predicting physical activity among sports-involved university students :
No full textPurpose: Previous research suggests that negative body image may decrease physical activity (PA), whereas positive body image may increase participation in PA. Mindfulness during PA (mindful monitoring and acceptance of body and mind) is associated with more positive body image. This study examined how mindfulness during PA and body appreciation are related to PA in a sample of students. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design with 539 university and college students from Lithuania involved in organised, recreational sports or home exercise with a mean age of 23.3 ± 7.2 years (49.7% were women). Participants completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic data, PA levels (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), mindfulness during PA (State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity 2, SMS-PA-2, consisting of four subscales: Monitoring and Accepting Body and Mind), and body appreciation (Body Appreciation Scale 2, BAS-2). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and linear regression modelling. The study was approved by the Social Research Ethics Committee (Protocol No. SMTEK-131, LSU), and participants provided informed consent. Results: Small but significant correlations between SMS-PA-2 subscales, BAS-2, and PA were observed in male and female students. In the multivariate linear regression model of female students, accepting mind (β = 0.14, p = 0.033) and monitoring body (β = 0.16, p = 0.030) during PA positively predicted PA, while body appreciation had no significant effect. In males, body appreciation (β = 0.17 and β = 0.22, p < 0.05) but not mindfulness during exercise was positively associated with PA. Both models were controlled for body mass index. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of mindfulness and body appreciation in predicting PA among higher-education students. For females, mindful awareness during exercise positively predicts PA, while for males, body appreciation plays a key role. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness practices and fostering body appreciation in sports programmes may enhance engagement in PA across genders. Support/Funding Source: This study was funded by the Research Council of Lithuanian (Grant No. S-MIP-22-25)
The subjective wellbeing and lived care experiences of family caregivers of people living with dementia: the case study of photovoice practice implementation in Lithuania :
No full textPurpose: To examine the subjective wellbeing and lived care experiences of family caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD) in Lithuania through the implementation of the Photovoice practice. Methods: Photovoice practice as a participatory research method. Qualitative research methods included focus group discussions with family caregivers of PLWD. Data collected during the process was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Creative research results – photographs and stories were presented in a public exhibition. Results: The following themes emerged within the focus group discussions, photographs, and stories: ‘interdependency’, ‘interconnectedness of care’, ‘mundane’, ‘the bond in care’, ‘the role of supportive environment’, ‘the aspiration to maintain one’s inner freedom’, and ‘who is the bearer of responsibility?’. These themes uncovered areas of poor caregiver wellbeing (experienced high levels of stress and fatigue, challenges related to health and mental wellbeing, self-care skills, and free time; emotional and physical distress in care relationships); lack of daily dementia care skills; lack of support for caregivers (providing emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, creating opportunities for rest, and fostering healthy family-work life integration); lack of knowledge and stigma related to dementia within society and among formal and informal caregivers; limitations in the support system for people living with dementia (absence of a person-oriented approach, challenges in pre-, during, and post-diagnostic services, worrisome aspects of accessibility and quality); and the need for community support groups and arts-based approaches to support caregivers’ health and wellbeing. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to actively support the wellbeing of family caregivers of PLWD in Lithuania by offering services that focus on care and self-care skills development, physical and mental resilience, and ensuring the accessibility and quality of care systems. The application of the Photovoice practice is an innovative arts-based approach to provide insight into the intimate environments and current quality of care and support received by both family caregivers and PLWD in Lithuania. Support/Funding Source: The study has been supported with funding from the Global Brain Health Institute, Alzheimer’s Association, and Alzheimer’s Society through Pilot Award granted to Ieva Petkutė (an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the GBHI) (GBHI ALZ UK-22-732820)
S15: Understanding factors affecting participation in adapted physical activity: lifetime engagement /
No full textIndividuals with disabilities face substantial challenges in achieving adequate physical fitness and maintaining regular physical activity. These challenges are associated not only with functional limitations but also with environmental, social, and motivational barriers. This symposium integrates findings from studies conducted in Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania addressing the factors affecting participation in physical activity of individuals with various disabilities across different age groups. The first presentation will present findings from a state-funded project examining the effects of functional limitations on the physical performance of school-aged children with intellectual, visual, hearing, and physical disabilities in Latvia. Comparative results with typically developing peers will be discussed, focusing on the potential for implementing inclusive physical activity programmes. Emphasis will be placed on the use of standardised assessment tools to monitor changes in health and physical fitness over time. The findings underscore the importance of adapting physical education programmes to address diverse functional needs and to promote equitable, inclusive fitness opportunities for all children. The second study from Finland will present national-level findings on physical activity trends among adolescents with disabilities, based on repeated cross-sectional survey data. The concurrent decline in participation in organised sports has been observed, suggesting a shift towards more unstructured or self-directed physical activity. These patterns highlight the need for adaptive, accessible, and interest-driven physical activity opportunities that account for the heterogeneous needs and preferences of adolescents with disabilities. The findings emphasise the importance of developing inclusive strategies that extend beyond traditional sport settings to promote sustained engagement in physical activity. The third study from Lithuania will present the key barriers to physical activity among adults with physical disabilities. Notably, gender differences emerged, with women reporting limited support from sports centre staff and challenges in accessing adapted transportation. Additionally, social isolation was associated with reduced physical activity levels, underscoring the critical role of community and interpersonal support in facilitating engagement. Together this symposium will emphasise the need for comprehensive and inclusive strategies that promote physical activity among individuals with disabilities. Efforts must go beyond addressing functional limitations and also target environmental, institutional, and social barriers
How do foreign students from different collectivist countries perceive interpersonal emotion regulation? A thematic analysis in Lithuania /
No full textThe main aim of our qualitative research is to find out how foreign students from different Collectivistic countries perceive interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). Using semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection and thematic analysis as a method of data analysis, we found that the majority of participants used IER to provide psychological support to their colleagues and friends in a variety of contexts—64% of participants highlighted cognitive strategies as key in emotional regulation, especially the use of temporal perspective shifting—and that, finally, the majority of the participants highlighted the evident results of the interventions, the most common of which was the increased adaptive behavior of the targets of IER. These findings highlight the persistence of cultural orientation in heterogeneous settings and suggest situational flexibility in IER strategies. They also highlight the importance of designing culturally sensitive interventions in international educational contexts
Socialinės žiniasklaidos naudojimo, psichikos sveikatos, savigarbos ir gyvenimo kokybės sąsajos tarp Lietuvos universitetų studentų.
No full textBackground: Social media plays a significant role in the daily lives of university students, influencing both their psychological well-being, being a multifaceted construct encompassing mental health and self-esteem and overall quality of life. While it offers benefits such as social connectivity and academic support, excessive or unregulated usage is linked with adverse mental health outcomes and reduced life satisfaction. However, research specific to university students in Lithuania remains limited. Objective: To explore associations between social media use, mental health, self-esteem and overall quality of life among university students in Lithuania. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Lithuania using an online questionnaire which included validated tools to measure the variables of social media usage, mental health, self-esteem and quality of life. Following data collection, statistical methods, including correlation and regression analysis were employed to identify significant associations between social media use and well-being outcomes. Result: Excessive or passive usage negatively associated with students’ mental health and self-esteem. While self-esteem positively correlated with quality of life, higher psychological distress was linked to lower well-being. Regression analysis identified self-esteem as a strong predictor of well-being following mental health, while excessive social media use showed weaker associations. Conclusion: Social media plays a dual role in university students’ lives, offering benefits but also posing risks to mental health. Promoting balanced usage, coping and digital well-being strategies can help mitigate negative effects while maximising its advantages
The effect of lamotrigine on cortical inhibition and plasticity in Neurofibromatosis type 1: exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NF1-EXCEL) /
No full textObjective Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. In NF1, decreased neurofibromin levels attenuate hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) activity, thereby increasing inhibitory interneuron activity and decreasing synaptic plasticity. Lamotrigine, an HCN1-agonist, rescued this electrophysiological phenotype in an NF1 mouse model. We investigated whether lamotrigine can alter cortical inhibition and plasticity in adolescents with NF1 using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods We performed an explorative analysis of secondary outcomes in the NF1-EXCEL trial (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02256124). Thirty-one adolescents with NF1 were randomized to either receive lamotrigine or a placebo. Using TMS, cortical inhibition was assessed with short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and cortical plasticity with paired associative stimulation (PAS) at baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention. Results Lamotrigine did not affect baseline cortical excitability. Additionally, no significant effects on either SICI or PAS responses were found after lamotrigine treatment in adolescents with NF1. Finally, lamotrigine did not affect pre-PAS single-pulse cortical excitability measures. Conclusion 10-week lamotrigine treatment does not alter cortical inhibition and plasticity in adolescents with NF1. Significance While limited by a small sample size, our study indicates that lamotrigine cannot consistently modulate SICI or PAS in adolescents with NF1, suggesting limited potential for treating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms
Periprosthetic joint infection caused by trichoderma: is it plausible? /
No full textBackground and Clinical Significance: Trichoderma is a rare cause of human fungal infections. These infections are often severe and can be life-threatening, involving various organs and tissues. Although Trichoderma is not commonly encountered in clinical practice, its ability to cause infections is particularly significant in immunocompromised patients. As a result, cases in which Trichoderma is identified in human specimens are not only uncommon but also pose complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians. Although it can be associated with various organs, its clinical significance in joints, especially in periprosthetic joint infections, remains unclear. Case Presentation: This case report presents a 63-year-old immunocompromised woman with a suspected periprosthetic joint infection caused by Trichoderma. After total hip arthroplasty and subsequent bacterial periprosthetic joint infection, Trichoderma was revealed from two intraoperative samples. Given the unusual pathogen and the patient’s immunosuppression, antifungal therapy with amphotericin B was initiated. However, due to severe intolerance, the antifungal treatment had to be discontinued shortly after initiation, and the patient continued under close monitoring. We closely monitored the patient’s clinical status and laboratory test results, continuously considering whether the findings represented contamination or true infection. The patient exhibited clinical and radiological stability, reinforcing the hypothesis of contamination rather than active infection. Conclusions: This case explores the rarity of Trichoderma periprosthetic joint infections, the diagnostic and treatment challenges, and the importance of multidisciplinary input in managing such uncommon and complex cases. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenic significance, optimal management, and long-term outcomes of Trichoderma in bone and joint infections