Journals of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
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PERCEPTION OF CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Get PDFThis paper builds upon the growing body of research exploring cultural ecosystem services (CES) and how individuals responsible for fostering the business environment in these areas perceive them. CES are non-material benefits that people obtain from nature (for example: recreation and ecotourism, aesthetic values, sense of place, spiritual and religious values, inspiration, cultural heritage). The intangible nature of CES complicates their economic valuation, yet they play a crucial role in overall economic development decision-making and investment planning. The economic valuation of CES can highlight the tangible benefits of nature for society, such as through inspirational processes, outcomes, and a sense of place. However, it is necessary to be careful to avoid ethical and practical concerns, such as the commodification of nature.
The primary objective of UNESCO\u27s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program for biosphere reserves is to integrate human values and activities with nature, while preserving the economic, ecological, ethical, and socio-cultural benefits associated with sustainable natural processes. These functions should serve the stakeholders involved in their production and management. Research on the economic value of CES in biosphere reserves highlights their significant contribution to human well-being and sustainable development (Bernadett & Melanie, 2021). It is recognized that ecosystem service values vary across different zones within biosphere reserves based on each zone\u27s objectives; however, cultural and regulating services tend to be significantly higher in core zones (Cusens, Barraclough & Måren, 2022)
THE ROLE OF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS IN ENSURING THE INFORMATION SECURITY OF THE STATE IN A HYBRID WARFARE: CHALLENGES, THREATS AND WAYS TO INCREASE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SOCIETY
Get PDFInformation security is an integral part of national security and is considered one of the priority areas of state policy. On the one hand, it involves creating conditions for high-quality, comprehensive information for citizens and ensuring free access to various sources of information. On the other hand, it includes mechanisms for preventing the spread of disinformation, strengthening public unity, preserving information sovereignty, countering information and psychological attacks and propaganda, as well as protecting the national information space from external manipulative influences, information wars and operations. A comprehensive solution to information security issues will allow simultaneously protecting the interests of the state and society, as well as guaranteeing citizens the right to access complete, objective and reliable information.
The article examines the role of modern information and communication technologies as a key factor in the hybrid wars of the 21st century. It is noted that information, as a strategic resource, simultaneously acts as a means of realizing the rights and freedoms of citizens and an instrument of destructive influence and manipulation of public consciousness. Based on the concept of hybrid war proposed by F. Hoffmann and the research of M. Bond, the specifics of modern conflicts are analyzed, in which a complex combination of military, political, economic and information-psychological methods of influence are used. Particular attention is paid to the role of the mass media in the formation of a "parallel reality" - a combination of facts and interpretations that affect the cognitive and behavioral reactions of the mass audience in conditions of political instability
LATVIAN FACT-CHECKERS AND THE CONTESTED FIELD
Get PDFFact-checking is a genre of journalism that examines public claims and issues a verdict about their truthfulness. In the contemporary information environment that is open to a wide variety of information sources, including false and misleading ones, fact-checking helps the public to better evaluate the information they may encounter in either mass media or social media.
However, a positive view of fact-checking is far from universal. It has faced opposition from politicians — especially those whose claims have been refuted — and from audience members who reject fact-checkers\u27 authority to say whether something is true. Research shows that labeling problematic content, including adding fact-checks, is a promising intervention with many challenges (Morrow et al., 2022). Still, some studies have pointed to problems with how fact-checking is carried out. For example, their methodologies are not immune to flaws (Uscinski & Butler, 2013; Nieminen & Sankari, 2021), and different fact- checking organizations may arrive at different judgments (Lim, 2018; Marietta, Barker, & Bowser, 2015). A sign of shifting attitudes toward fact-checking was this year’s announcement by the social media company Meta that it will stop fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram (Kaplan, 2025). After years of working with independent fact-checkers, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that “the fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they have created.” Such sentiments highlight the need for continued analysis of fact-checkers’ practices concerning selection, analysis, and assessment of claims
RESIDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT AND MORE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN VIDZEME, LATVIA
Get PDFThis abstract outlines a comprehensive study investigating residents\u27 attitudes towards environmental issues and their propensity for adopting more sustainable mobility practices within the Vidzeme region of Latvia. The escalating global environmental crisis, characterized by climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, necessitates a fundamental shift in societal behaviors, particularly concerning transportation. Mobility, a cornerstone of modern life, is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise. Consequently, promoting active mobility solutions — such as public transport, cycling, walking — has become a critical policy objective worldwide. However, the success of such initiatives is intrinsically linked to public acceptance, understanding, and willingness to change established habits.
Despite the growing emphasis on sustainable development within the European Union and Latvia\u27s national strategies, there remains a notable gap in region-specific research concerning the socio-psychological factors influencing active mobility adoption. While general environmental awareness is increasing, the translation of this awareness into concrete behavioral changes, especially in diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts like Vidzeme, is not fully understood. Vidzeme, with its mix of urban centers, rural areas, and natural landscapes, presents a unique case study where traditional mobility patterns may diverge significantly from those in larger metropolitan areas. Understanding the nuances of residents\u27 perceptions, values, and barriers to sustainable choices in this specific region is crucial for developing targeted and effective policy interventions
ANOMALY DETECTION FRAMEWORKS TAXONOMY
Get PDFIn recent years, the increase of digital systems and the consequent need for data volumes have amplified the demand for intelligent systems capable of autonomous monitoring and decision-making. Anomaly detection, the process of identifying patterns in data that deviate significantly from expected behaviour (Chandola, 2009), plays a crucial role in applications such as fault detection, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and fraud detection (Nassif A, 2021). However, the increasingly complex nature of modern systems presents challenges in designing anomaly detection frameworks that are scalable and adaptable across various contexts (M. R. Alam, 2019). This research introduces a taxonomy of anomaly detection frameworks, focusing on their capabilities, design dimensions, and levels of abstraction. The proposed taxonomy aims to guide the evaluation of existing frameworks and the design of solutions that are robust, interpretable, and deployable in real-world environments
BŪVĒT CITĀDI: KOPĒJI RESURSI, RŪPES UN ARHITEKTŪRA, KAS JAU IR
Get PDFMums visapkārt ir apbūvētā vide. Gan Latvijā, gan Eiropā - vai tās būtu sarūkošas vai augošas pilsētas - esošās apbūves apjoms pārsniedz mūsu spēju to pilnvērtīgi izmantot. Tukšas skolu un daudzdzīvokļu ēkas reģionos, rūpnīcas un kolhozi, kas iesaluši laikā - tie stāv ne tikai kā atgādinājumi par agrāku laiku kontroles un ražošanas sistēmām, bet arī kā materiālu resursi ar vēl neizmantotu potenciālu. Tajā pašā laikā sarunas par arhitektūru bieži vien sākas ar tukšu lapu - ideju radīšana no jauna, projektēšana, sā- kot ar formu, un būvniecība uz “tuk- šas vietas”. Bet pasaule nav tukša. Tā ir piesātināta - ar ēkām, atmiņām un uzkrātu vērtību. Tomēr tas bieži vien paliek neredzams - maketos, būvpro- jektos, stratēģijās. Šim paradoksam - pārpilnības un trūkuma līdzpastā- vēšana - būtu jāatrodas mūsdienu arhitektūras diskusiju centrā. Latvijā vien ir tūkstošiem ēku, kas stāv tukšas, tiek klasificētas kā vidi degra- dējošas vai gaida savu atdzimšanu. Piemēram, Rīgā šobrīd ir 1256 vidi degradējoši objekti (Rīgas valstspilsētas pašvaldības Īpašuma departaments, 2025). Tajā pašā laikā turpinās aktīva jaunu dzīvojamo, biroju un publisko ēku būvniecība. Ko nozīmētu sākt arhitektūras procesus nevis no tukšuma, bet ar atbildību pret jau esošo
HOW MUCH ICT SECURITY HAS IMPROVED DURING THE LAST DECADE
Get PDFINTRODUCTION
Since 2000, information security has begun to develop at a significant pace. Many companies are adopting modern information and communication technologies, without fully considering the fact that it is necessary to manage new types of ICT threats, different from those of the past.
It is for these reasons that the security of access to ICT systems needs to be fundamentally rethought. Furthermore, modern IT environments are not ideal because they are constantly growing and evolving, becoming more and more complex. Their stepwise development also dictates at least the temporary coexistence of old and new technologies, thus leaving behind many cracks and gaps through which attackers can attack.
The purpose of this paper is to address this gap and outline how far we have come in terms of information security and protection, as well as the challenges faced by modern companies. It also investigates the other factors contributing to ICT security. This paper provides certain guidelines on where companies should begin, and which aspects of security are especially vulnerable nowadays. By studying the evolution of ICT security, the paper aims to determine the most effective way to protect information systems from modern threats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Scientific and professional literature in the field of computer and information technologies with special interest in the field of information security was used in the preparation of the final paper. In processing the topic, secondary data were used, from the official website where texts or papers related to the thematic area of this final paper were published. The paper uses methods of descriptive analysis (in analysing and describing the elements of the units that are discussed in this paper in order to determine the elements, content and components of the observed unit and the relationship as a whole) and synthesis (combining simple mental creations into more complex connecting elements, processes, phenomena and relations as a whole), inductive and deductive method (for the purpose of presenting general laws and reducing abstractions) and the method of compilation (when quoting and graphical representations taken from the used literature). Statistical data was also used, taken from official agencies, databases and research centres.
RESULTS
The security of information systems has always been important for an organisation to operate successfully. With the modernisation and informatisation of business, the risk of information systems security increases. It is the networking of computers and the dislocation of an organisation\u27s business that leads to the need for greater protection of confidential information. When information is not properly protected, it is very likely that it can jeopardise an organisation’s competitiveness and present the same organisation as a failure. Since security is not something that is the final product or condition, but a process, it is logical that the security of information systems is a constant action and the whole process of protection. It is not enough just to determine which information systems are suitable for business, it is necessary to constantly check the operation of the system in order to maintain an acceptable level of risk that threatens each information system and thus the business system as a whole. There are a number of parts of a system or organisation that need to be protected, and information security takes care of three basic aspects of maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Through these three aspects and their proper protection, it is possible to lead to the progress of an organisation\u27s business.
These conclusions and the completed work proved the hypothesis that there are a large number of ways, methods and practices governing information security. However, businesses and individuals are still not sufficiently educated or concerned so they remain extremely vulnerable. This is why ICT security is still a problematic issue – and it looks like it will be even more in the future.
DISCUSSION
The reason for the complexity of information security protection is precisely due to the security of information systems being a very broad concept, and it is necessary to look at it as a whole, and not pay attention to certain parts only. When the information system is understood as one large entity branched into different areas, and when the laws, rules, procedures, and instructions in this area are respected, only then can it be said that an information system is secure. However, due to the ramifications and complexity of this topic, it is very difficult to fully monitor the security of information systems, because they are vulnerable in many ways, so it is necessary to continuously check and guard against threats that systems are becoming more open to.
CONCLUSIONS
Since information is the main resource of business and it is the core of everything that an organisation possesses, the correct application of protection methods increases the competitiveness and business success of a particular organisation. An important aspect of business is correctly deciding on the protection measures to be used, depending on the organisation and the activity with which a particular organisation is engaged; it is important to implement proper protection. The security of information systems doesn’t only include the storage of confidential data in a special place; it is necessary to protect the facilities themselves, equipment and premises, all the way to programs and documents that contain information. This paper can be used as a starting point for choosing and deciding on protective measures, as well as an wake-up call for everyone to think more about ICT security. ICT gives numerous benefits – but they come at a cost – so, we need to stay alert to tech trends and constantly strive for better protection.
 
MANAGEMENT OF LANDSCAPES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF NATURE PROTECTION
Get PDFINTRODUCTION
In Latvia, the most important landscape areas and sites have historically been included in various categories of specially protected nature territories (SPNT). This approach is also established in the regulatory framework. According to the law “On Specially Protected Nature Territories”, the common goal of protected territories is to include the protection and conservation of unique, beautiful and Latvian-characteristic landscapes. However, only half of the eight identified categories of protected territories – national parks, biosphere reserve, nature parks and protected landscape areas – take landscape-related aspects into consideration. Practically all of these specially protected nature areas were also included in the network of Natura 2000 sites, the main purpose of which is to ensure the protection of protected biotopes and specially protected species habitats. To assess issues of whether nature conservation creates synergies with landscape management and to what extent, we performed quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The calculation uses data from the European Environment Agency\u27s NATURA 2000 database for these areas – (SPNT area) and biotopes (the area of protected habitats). For the map display of the proportion of specially protected nature areas and the included protected biotopes, ArcGIS mapping software was used. The spatial data layers on SPNT’s are derived from the nature data management system OZOLS. Likewise, an analysis of the long-term protection targets of SPNT’s has been carried out by summarising the keywords therein. The descriptive words are displayed with text visualisation tools that illustrate the words according to their frequency of mention.
RESULTS
The proportion of protected biotopes is determined for all 55 landscape-related SPNT’s in line with the law “On Specially Protected Nature Territories” (4 national parks, 42 nature parks, and 9 protected landscape areas). The average proportion of protected biotopes in the landscape-related SPNT’s is 21%; however, its range is very wide – from 5% to 98%. When assessing the proportion of protected biotopes by SPNT category, there are no significant differences between nature parks, national parks and protected landscape areas – the proportion of protected biotopes varies from 20% in nature parks to 23% in protected landscape areas. The most frequently mentioned descriptive word in the long-term protection targets of SPNT’s is biotope protection, while in one fifth of the considered SPNT’s, the long-term protection targets don’t even include landscape-related aspects.
DISCUSSION
The study results revealed the different approach to defining SPNT’s in Latvia, the individual non-conformities in relation to the regulatory framework, as well as a number of challenges to landscape management. The analysis of nature conservation targets shows that the main emphasis is on the protection of habitats and species; however, landscape-related aspects are also defined generally. Characteristics such as socio-economic development, recreation, cultural and historical heritage, landscape values, tourism, nature education are mentioned. In the context of landscapes, the long-term goals most often mention cultural and historical heritage, landscape conservation, landscape structure and aesthetic value; however, these goals are general, mostly only detecting that the site has a landscape value and expressing the need to preserve it. The performed analysis of the targets and the relatively small proportion of biotopes in the Natura 2000 areas indicate that the ecological network in Latvia should be improved, not only by specifying the protected areas, but also by a more targeted separation of conditions for nature protection and for landscape management in the regulatory framework. In particular, in view of the fact that landscape management in Latvia is primarily implemented through spatial planning.
 
STATE OF KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY PROCESS MODELS AND FRAMEWORKS
Get PDFINTRODUCTION
The first knowledge discovery process models were developed in the late 1990s, almost three decades ago. Based on several surveys, researchers F. Martínez-Plumed et al. (Martinez-Plumed, F. et al., 2021) and Rotondo A., Fergus Q. (Rotondo, A., Quilligan, F., 2020) argue that CRISP-DM (Chapman, et al., 2000) remains the default standard for developing data acquisition and retrieval projects. In almost thirty years, the industry and technology has evolved, and data science is now the leading term. The knowledge discovery process has changed significantly since the inception of the CRISP-DM model. An area in which the CRISP-DM model does not work well enough is data-driven products, and most products nowadays are in fact data driven. The amount and complexity of data in applications suggests that data processing requires significant technical work on management and infrastructure. In the CRISP-DM model, data is included as a static unit in the middle of the process (Martinez-Plumed, F. et al., 2021), which means that the knowledge retrieval process needs to be viewed in the context of the knowledge retrieval framework in which the process is applied.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To identify the state of knowledge discovery process models and frameworks, the authors adopted a systematic literature review approach on knowledge discovery process models and knowledge discovery frameworks to answer two research questions. Q1: what kinds of process models are available and what is the state of knowledge discovery process models? And Q2: what are the design principles that characterise knowledge discovery frameworks? To achieve this objective, research articles addressing process models and frameworks were analysed.
RESULTS
The knowledge discovery process models developed in the mid 90s are still being used in organisational data mining projects. Most data retrieval algorithms and tools stop at creating and delivering models that meet technical requirements. Models are being developed, but entrepreneurs are either not interested in them or do not know what to do next to add value to their business decisions. Knowledge discovery in organisations is mostly a closed process for solving optimisation problems starting with problem definition, framework or model development to the discovery of workable models designed to provide functioning business insights that can be linked to or integrated with business processes and systems. Obtaining information and hidden correlations from data has a growing trend in information systems; in order to provide better services to end users and support decision-making processes, as well as to acquire valuable knowledge, it is necessary to integrate and analyse the generated data sets from different domains. Multiple innovative knowledge discovery frameworks are being analysed in the research paper.
DISCUSSION
The heterogeneity of the definition of knowledge and the perception of its concept creates wide possibilities for interpretation. One of the knowledge definitions according to Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi\u27s (Nonaka, I., Takeuchi, H., 1995) theory of knowledge creation is the acquisition of new knowledge applied to its usefulness to a particular organisation by relating it to the social context in which the knowledge is created and used. Knowledge discovery process models are still widely used within organisations and there are multiple knowledge discovery framework proposals for various fields. The necessity and corresponding technological requirements for knowledge discovery frameworks remain open for discussion.
Recommended future research directions involve the following points:
Technical requirements of knowledge discovery frameworks that define the requirements of components.
Security requirements for knowledge discovery frameworks.
Personal data protection requirements for knowledge discovery
PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AS SAFEGUARDS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL HERITAGE IN NATURA 2000
Get PDFINTRODUCTION
Of all Natura 2000 sites that form the basis of the national nature conservation system in Latvia, 43% are owned privately. Therefore, the owners and managers of private lands are strategically important stakeholders, and the achievement of nature conservation goals depends to a large extent on their motivation, environmental awareness, and involvement. The forest is an important and indispensable custodian of natural values, but natural and semi-natural grasslands are recognised globally for their high biodiversity, social and cultural values and provided ecosystem services. The aim of the research is to obtain data on how private land owners and managers treat natural values and their conservation not only in Natura 2000 areas, but also outside them. This decision was made because a large part of grasslands and forest micro-reserves are also located outside Natura 2000.
METHODS
To collect data on private landowners’ opinions about their motivation for being involved in nature conservation, the value of nature among other values and existing compensating mechanisms for unearned economic value, both online (ArcGIS123) and paper (in seminars organised by Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre) questionnaires were used to reach a representative sample of respondents. Data were collected between July and December 2021. Altogether, 604 forest landowners and 442 grassland landowners’ responses were used for further analysis.
RESULTS
Research shows that 42% of all respondents have lands in specially protected areas – Natura 2000, national parks, biosphere reserves and micro-reserves. 39% of forest landowners know what actions should be taken to preserve these natural values in their forests, but only 29% consider that before carrying out economic activities in the forest, its owner should ascertain the specially protected natural values found in the forest. Only 19% of forest owners, with restrictions on economic activities in order to meet nature conservation objectives, have received compensation, of which less than half (48%) were satisfied with the amount of financial support. 3% applied, but did not receive financial support, because their forest was too small.
The continuity of nature-friendly perennial grassland management will be ensured, with 93% of landowners showing rather high motivation for this. Of all respondents, 78% consider that grasslands provide wild plant diversity; improve the quality of the landscape while preserving the traditional rural landscape - 87%; provide a place for the continuation of cultural traditions, annual rituals - 57%; and provide business opportunities - 47%. Although 41% think that other land uses are more profitable, 29% admit that they have a lack of knowledge about grassland management.
DISCUSSION
Forest owners are less motivated than natural grassland owners regarding nature conservation activities, as the price of the economic value of the forest is likely to far exceed the number of compensatory mechanisms. Integrated solutions for ensuring nature protection on private land must continue to be sought. The opinions of the respondents will provide an opportunity to create a clear and reasonable motivation system for private landowners, which balances the interests of conservation of natural values and economic development, is understandable to everyone and will serve not only this, but also future generations.