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Children’s global citizenship education and foreign language teaching in the pre-primary group.
No full textThis article reviews the problem of global citizenship education and foreign language teaching at pre-primary school level. The education of pre-primary school children is inseparable from knowledge of the world, communication in the mother tongue and in a foreign language, and the formation of values and patterns of social behaviour that are relevant to humanity. The pre-primary school age is the right age to encourage children to learn about their immediate environment, and to broaden their knowledge of other countries and natural and social phenomena in them. Global citizenship education should start at this age, enabling children to learn about, talk about and contribute to global issues at a local, national and global level, to engage children in social citizenship activities, and to contribute to a safe and sustainable environment. In the education of pre-primary school children, a foreign language has the function of building a social identity. The development of children’s foreign language skills in an educational institution also creates conditions for the development of children’s global citizenship. The article presents the partial results of an ethnographic study on the development of global citizenship and foreign language learning at pre-primary school level. The information obtained from the study confirms the usefulness of a foreign language for the global citizenship education of pre-primary school children. It shows that learning a foreign language helps not only to learn about world phenomena and to communicate, but also to develop global citizenship competences. Learning and using a foreign language help to share information not only about the immediate and distant environment, but also about countries and cultures of the world, it broadens the world-view of the pupils, forms positive attitudes towards other people, and strengthens the sense of community, encouraging people to work together to create a safe and sustainable environment
Annual movements of a migratory seabird – the NW European red‑throated diver (Gavia stellata) – reveals high individual repeatability but low migratory connectivity /
No full textIn this study, the annual movements of a seabird species, the red-throated diver ( Gavia stellata ), were investigated in space and time. Between 2015 and 2017, 33 individuals were fitted with satellite transmitters at the German Bight (eastern North Sea). In addition, stable isotope analyses of feathers (δ 13 C) were used to identify staging areas during the previous moult. The German Bight is an important area for this species, but is also strongly affected by anthropogenic impacts. To understand how this might affect populations, we aimed to determine the degree of connectivity and site fidelity, and the extent to which seasonal migrations vary among different breeding locations in the high Arctic. Tagged individuals migrated to Greenland ( n = 2), Svalbard ( n = 2), Norway ( n = 4) and northern Russia ( n = 25). Although individuals from a shared breeding region (northern Russia) largely moved along the same route, individuals dispersed to different, separate areas during the non-breeding phase. Kernel density estimates also overlapped only partially, indicating low connectivity. The timing of breeding was correlated with the breeding longitude, with 40 days later arrival at the easternmost than westernmost breeding sites. Repeatability analyses between years revealed a generally high individual site fidelity with respect to spring staging, breeding and moulting sites. In summary, low connectivity and the distribution to different sites suggests some resilience to population decline among subpopulations. However, it should be noted that the majority of individuals breeding in northern Russia migrated along a similar route and that disturbance in areas visited along this route could have a greater impact on this population. In turn, individual site fidelity could indicate low adaptability to environmental changes and could lead to potential carry-over effects. Annual migration data indicate that conservation planning must consider all sites used by such mobile species
Ship air pollution estimation by AIS data: case port of Klaipeda /
No full textShips operating on fossil fuel release pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. Released pollutants have a negative effect on the environment and human health, especially in port cities. For this reason, it is very important to properly evaluate these emissions so they can be managed. The current and most common methodologies for shipping pollution evaluation are used for whole port areas or larger terminals over a long period of time and are not analyzed in terms of detailed activity, which may lead to underestimations in certain areas. This study aims to evaluate emissions from ships in port by combining ships’ technical, AIS and EMEP data that allow us to evaluate emissions in port, not as a singular area source but enables individual ship emissions evaluation at any given point in time. To achieve this emission calculation, an algorithm was compiled by using EMEP/EEA Tier 3 methodology. The developed method presents a way to evaluate emissions in a detailed manner not only for groups of ships but also for individual ships if that is required. This method also lets us analyze shipping emissions’ intensity throughout all port territory and identify the most excessive pollution sources. However, the method adds additional work for researchers because of the huge data arrays required for complex calculations
An existential perspective on loneliness in elderly people.
No full textThe article presents the phenomenon of the existential loneliness of elderly people. The concept of existential loneliness is analysed from philosophical, theological, psychological and sociological points of view. The existential loneliness of elderly people is treated as a social problem that begins with a decrease in social abilities and individual differences. Signs of existential loneliness and methods of recognition are presented
Evidence-based public policy decision-making in smart cities: does extant theory support achievement of city sustainability objectives? /
No full textEvidence-based decision making is promoted as offering efficiency and effectiveness; however, its uptake has faced barriers such as underdeveloped supporting culture, limited access to evidence, and evidence that is not fully relevant. Smart city conceptualizations offer economic and environmental sustainability and better quality of life through evidence-based policy decision-making. We wondered whether smart city theory and practice has advanced the knowledge of evidence-based decision-making. We searched major databases for literature containing a mention of smart cities, decision-making, and policy. We identified relevant literature from a range of disciplines and supplemented these by following backwards and forwards citations. Evidence-based decision-making was found mostly in literature regarding the theory and practice of smart city operations, and, to lesser extents, the articles regarding policy decisions and tactical decisions. Better decision-making which supported the achievement of city sustainability objectives was reported in some articles; however, we found significant obstacles to the further achievement of city objectives in the areas of underachievement in collaborative decision-making, privileging of big data evidence, and artificial intelligence agents as decision-makers. We assembled a definition of smart city decision-making and developed an agenda of research which will support city governments, theorists, and practitioners in better achieving sustainability through improved decision-making
Year-round movements of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis from Kolguev Island, Barents Sea /
No full textArctic birds migrating southwards face a multitude of challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation of food resources and climate change impacts. Long-tailed Duck winter populations in the Baltic Sea have declined in recent decades. However, precise spatial data are lacking, especially from males. Thus, we aimed to identify the wintering grounds, timing of migration and stopover sites of males and females. We studied spatiotemporal distribution patterns of eight male and five female Long-tailed Ducks using implanted ARGOS satellite transmitters. Birds were tagged in the breeding season on Kolguev Island, Russia. After the breeding period, Long-tailed Ducks from Kolguev used three main post-breeding areas: most males undertook long distance eastward post-breeding migration to areas around the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, while one male and four females moved short to the southeast coast of Kolguev, and one female moved to Mezhdusharsky Island in the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. Autumn migration included stopover sites in the White Sea, Lake Ladoga, the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga, and all birds except one spent the winter in the southern part of the Baltic Sea, from the Pomeranian coast and Hoburgs bank to the Gulf of Finland. Only one female stayed in the White Sea for the winter. All but one bird used the White Sea as a stopover site in May, suggesting that this area is of special importance
Ecosystem service assessments within the EU Water Framework Directive: marine mussel cultivation as a controversial measure /
No full textTo combat the persistent eutrophication in coastal waters, sustainable sea-based measures are recommended. Yet, they are the subject of controversial stakeholder discussion, which hampers the implementation and planning process. The aim of this study is to evaluate if a participatory mapping (PM) approach and ecosystem service assessments (ESA) can be suitable tools within Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation to support the communication with different target groups to improve and accelerate the planning and realization of new sea-based mitigation measures. We conducted three stakeholder-based PMs to visualize the perception of sea-based mitigation measures in coastal waters and seven different ESAs to investigate the perceptions of different mussel cultivation scenarios as mitigation measures. The PMs showed that ecological measures were preferred. The ESA approach showed that, while experts rated mussel cultivation scenarios positively overall, non-expert stakeholders still seemed skeptical and preferred alternative measures like floating wetlands. The methodological results indicate that PM can be a cost-effective tool to visualize stakeholders’ perceptions, but it needs to be applied with an ESA to be beneficial for the WFD implementation process. A web-based ESA improves the discussion with stakeholders and can reveal potential misperceptions and concerns faster and lead to a more focused discussion
The application of information and communication technologies in the professional development of library staff.
No full textThe importance of ICT competencies acquired by librarians has been particularly highlighted in the context of the pandemic, as a tool for service delivery, social networking and professional development. The research analyses issues of ICT competencies in the development of the qualifications of librarians. An analysis of the system of professional development of librarians has shown that the professional development of librarians is inconsistent and fragmentary, carried out mainly on a project basis; and therefore it does not provide conditions for the qualitative improvement of qualifications. The problem is that no scientific research has been done in Lithuania on ICT competencies and their impact on professional development. There is no research in Lithuania for librarians that examines which ICT competencies need to be acquired for successful work done according to duties. There are no clear criteria on the basis of which the level of competencies can be assessed; therefore, the planning of the improvement of qualifications is inefficient. Klaipėda region libraries were selected for the study. The study consists of two parts: qualitative research and quantitative research. The article presents the results of the qualitative research. After an analysis of scientific sources, two methodologies for the assessment of ICT competencies were selected for the research. These methodologies for assessing ICT competencies have been adapted for libraries. The main difference is that one methodology for assessing ICT competencies has eight levels of competencies, and another has six. The interview method was used in the study. The interviewees were county library staff, because the county library is a methodology centre for regional libraries. Twenty-eight interviewees from county libraries attended. They were provided with a list of 45 ICT competencies and asked to assess their acquired ICT competencies according to this list using both ICT competency assessment methodologies. A total of 17 out of the 28 study participants indicated the methodology for assessing information and communication technology competencies by DigiComp as more convenient to use. The study identified the 20 most important ICT competencies required for librarians to carry out their daily work. This list also included ICT competencies that are needed to learn other ICT competencies. By applying methodology for the assessment of ICT competencies, comprehensive lists of ICT competencies can be compiled for each position, and the recommended levels of each competency can be determined. The study has revealed that librarians have a good understanding of the importance of ICT competencies and ICT tools in terms of professional development, and agree that ICT competencies contribute to comprehensive professional development. Recommendations are made based on the issues analysed in this work
Tarpkultūrė komunikacija: karjeros valdymo veiksnys.
No full textThe current tendencies in global society are clear: the internationalisation of studies in HEIs, the expansion of the labour market, foreign employees with a different cultural background in almost all organisations, etc. A successful professional life depends on the readiness of people to be open to global changes and innovation. Intercultural communication may lead to openness and a better preparation for a future career. This form of communication strengthens a positive attitude towards new trends in the labour market, global business, immigrants and foreigners. In addition, intercultural communication can be used to promote the local culture to others, and to become familiar with remote cultures. This article reveals the importance of intercultural communication for careers, and presents students’ perspectives. According to the results of the survey, intercultural communication is beneficial for personal development: it strengthens qualities such as self-esteem and confidence, and can form new abilities such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. This type of communication provides students with more opportunities to study abroad, and ensures a competitive advantage in business. As students noted, intercultural communication should be practised constantly, and its beneficial aspects have a positive impact on the broader world-view, cultural awareness and career prospects