“Lituanistika”, International Research Database
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Speech audiometry: the development of Lithuanian bisyllabic phonemically balanced word lists for evaluation of speech recognition
No full textBackground and Objectives: Speech audiometry employs standardized materials, typically in the language spoken by the target population. Language-specific nuances, including phonological features, influence speech perception and recognition. The material of speech audiometry tests for the assessment of word recognition comprises lists of words that are phonemically or phonetically balanced. As auditory perception is influenced by a variety of linguistic features, it is necessary to develop test materials for the listener’s mother tongue. The objective of our study was to compose and evaluate new lists of Lithuanian words to assess speech recognition abilities. Materials and Methods: The main criteria for composing new lists of Lithuanian words included the syllable structure and frequency, the correlation between consonant and vowel phonemes, the frequency of specific vowel and consonant phonemes, word familiarity and rate. The words for the new lists were chosen from the Frequency Dictionary of Written Lithuanian according to the above criteria. Word recognition was assessed at different levels of presentations. The word list data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model for repeated measures. Results: Two hundred bisyllabic words were selected and organized into four lists. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the four sets of words. The interaction of the word list and presentation level was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Monaural performance functions indicated good inter-list reliability with no significant differences between the word recognition scores on the different bisyllabic word lists at each of the tested intensities. The word lists developed are equivalent, reliable and can be valuable for assessing speech recognition in a variety of conditions, including diagnosis, hearing rehabilitation and research. Keywords: speech; recognition; audiometry; phonetic; bisyllabic word
The Effect of brand association and brand image on the brand awareness of Lithuanian companies of digital products
No full textPurpose: Brand awareness enables brand recognition in different market conditions, which is very important for companies selling digital products or providing digital services. Purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of brand association and brand image on the brand awareness of Lithuanian companies of digital products. These factors are important and have an impact on brand awareness, but their impact on the brand awareness of digital products in particular has not been investigated. Methods: A questionnaire was conducted to a sample of 403 consumers who buy and use digital products in Lithuania. The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model was created and a statistically significant direct positive impact of brand association and brand image on brand awareness of companies of digital products was determined. Results: The empirical research of the effect of brand association and brand image on the brand awareness of Lithuanian companies of digital products revealed a statistically significant direct positive impact of brand association and brand image on brand awareness of companies of digital products. The strongest direct positive impact of brand image on brand awareness than brand association. Conclusion: The findings of research provide valuable insights into the crucial role played by brand association and brand image in building brand awareness for companies of digital products. Keywords: brand awareness, brand association, brand image, digital products
An "Empty Place"? The transformation of the industrial landscape in contemporary Lithuania
No full textBy focusing on the changes to the industrial landscape that can be identified visually and within the materiality of the built environment, this paper discusses the transformation of the industrial landscape and its meaning that has been produced by the human agency that has emerged in damaged industrial places after the restoration of Lithuania’s independence and post-Soviet deindustrialisation. It shows that there is a sense of emptiness related to the ruination and abandonment of the industrial landscape in people’s experiences and memories of Soviet industrial districts. However, it is evident that such emptiness is a transitional stage that creates the conditions for the emergence of new beginnings. The paper reveals that the industrial districts today are active places in which various individual economic activities and economic structures have emerged. The research is based on the two Lithuanian former Soviet industrial cities of Alytus and Marijampolė. Key words: landscape, industrial place, visuality, post-Soviet deindustrialisation, Lithuania
Nature in Lithuania’s/Lithuanian identity
No full textTokie svarbūs lietuviškojo tapatumo dėmenys kaip kalba, papročiai ir istorija seniai ir plačiai tyrinėjami bei visuotinai pasitelkiami aiškinant tautinę tapatybę ir tautinę savimonę. Įdomu, kad pirmąjį lietuvišką etnografinį ir kraštotyros žurnalą „Gimtasai kraštas“ tarpukariu (1934-1943) leidusi Šiaulių kraštotyros draugija tarp lietuviškumą sudarančių ypatybių įtraukė gamtą ir gamtos objektus. Straipsnyje keliamas klausimas, kuo ypatingas lietuvio santykis su gamta ir kiek jis išties svarbus lietuvio tautiniam tapatumui. Taigi, straipsnio objektas - gamtos samprata, ryškėjanti žurnalo „Gimtasai kraštas“ (GK) straipsniuose, prieinamuose „Epaveldo“ elektroninėje duomenų bazėje. Žurnalo pasirinkimą tyrimui lėmė tai, kad jo leidimo laikotarpiu apskritai ir, skyrium, jo leidėjų pastangomis buvo ugdoma bei puoselėjama lietuviškoji tautinė tapatybė, skaitytojai skatinti pažinti ir saugoti lietuvių stiprybės šaltinį - Lietuvos gamtą ir senovės kultūrą (Mūsų siekimai 1934: 1). Didžiąją žurnalo turinio dalį sudaro Lietuvos ir atskirų jos vietovių istoriją, archeologiją, papročius, materialinę kultūrą ir gamtą pristatantys bei paties kraštotyrinio darbo metodiką nagrinėjantys straipsniai. Nuodugniai peržiūrėjus visus žurnalo numerius, atrinkti straipsniai, kuriuose aprašoma gamta ir gamtos ar gamtoje atsidūrę kultūros objektai: piliakalniai, alkakalniai, pilkapiai, ežerai, atskiri medžiai (ąžuolai), akmenys ir kt. arba jų grupė apibrėžtoje vietovėje. Atsižvelgiama ir į žurnale paskelbtus kelionių, iškylų, ekskursijų gamtoje bei gamtos vaizdų aprašymus. Kreipiamas dėmesys į tai, koks papildomas turinys - istorinis, folklorinis, kalbinis ar kt. - „prikabintas“ prie aprašomo gamtos objekto. Reikšminiai žodžiai: lietuvio / lietuviškoji tapatybė; gamta ir gamtos objektai; kraštotyra.The article raises the question of what makes the Lithuanian relationship with nature unique and how important it truly is to Lithuanian national identity. It is interesting that the first Lithuanian ethnographic and regional studies journal Gimtasai kraštas (Native Land), published in the interwar period (1934-1943) by the Šiauliai Regional Studies Society, included nature and natural objects among the features that constitute Lithuanian identity. After reviewing all the journal issues, articles describing nature and cultural objects found in nature - such as hillforts, barrows, lakes, individual trees (oaks), and stones, or groups of them in a defined area - were selected. Attention is drawn to descriptions supplemented by historical, folkloric, and linguistic data. Most often, nature (natural objects or their aggregate in a specific area) is presented as witnesses of antiquity. When describing them, cultural narratives always emerge, with culture “dressing” nature like a garment on a body. Thus, the natural objects described in Gimtasai kraštas also depend on culture to some extent. Nature itself, purely natural objects, are almost independent, seemingly unnoticed and unnecessary on their own. It’s as if nature itself doesn’t exist for humans. But can it be otherwise if the concept and the very word “nature” inevitably belong to human culture? In Lithuanian culture, nature primarily evokes ancient tradition and ancient religiosity, often even referred to as “nature worship.” It is precisely this culturally-transformed nature that has become an element of Lithuanian identity
Uncovering slow memory in the narratives of Lithuania's post-communist transformation
No full textThis article contributes to the field of memory studies by exploring the potential application of the slow memory concept in analysing the narratives of individuals versus far-right politicians. Through an analysis of oral history interviews and far-right populist narratives about the post-communist transformation in Lithuania, the study reveals that only a minority of narratives can be described as slow memory. Narratives of disappointment and perseverance lack specific decisions or events but instead highlight more mundane, everyday experiences. They focus on long-term change and reform and can be considered examples of slow memory. The findings suggest that one key characteristic of slow memory is its absence from public discourse and political space in a complete and comprehensive form. Political narratives tend to foreground specific events or leaders, thereby obscuring the complex, multidimensional nature of slow memory. This analysis of political narratives raises questions about the possibility of slow memory within political discourse more broadly. Keywords: slow memory, populist far-right, post-communist transformation, counter-narratives
Enhancing organizational resilience: sustainable development scenarios incorporating disaster impacts and AI tools
No full textThe intensification of human activities and the escalating impact of climate change have increased the probability of disasters, making it important to develop sustainable development scenarios that consider potential disaster consequences. However, disasters are indirectly represented in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and often overshadowed by other topics. This study focuses on disaster effects in the context of sustainable development. We conducted a sociological survey with 30 respondents from Lithuanian companies, half of which were large manufacturing enterprises, and found that only 37% had encountered sustainable development and disaster management issues, with a similar proportion actively developing related scenarios. Although external stakeholders often participate, 57% of the respondents indicated that their company acts independently on these matters. Large companies rated their disaster preparedness higher (3.5/5) than SMEs (2.9/5) or micro-companies (2.8/5). Rapid response and liquidation of disaster consequences was deemed more important (4.5/5) than risk management and resilience-building scenarios (3.8/5). Using correlation and mutual information analyses, we uncovered linear and non-linear dependencies, showing that psychological stress among employees negatively correlates with the importance assigned to SDGs during disasters. Additionally, we demonstrated how generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can transform survey results into tailored scenarios. These findings provide practical insights and methodologies for enhancing organizational resilience and sustainability, even with limited resources. Keywords: sustainable development; disaster management; scenario generation; artificial intelligence; ChatGPT; prompt engineering; sustainable development goals; disaster preparedness; mutual information analysis; Lithuanian manufacturing companies
The Relationship between clinical environment and adverse events reporting: evidence from Lithuania
No full textBackground: The clinical environment plays a crucial role in patient safety, as it encompasses the physical, organizational, and cultural aspects of healthcare delivery. Adverse events, such as active errors, can often be attributed to systemic issues within the clinical environment. Addressing and improving environmental factors is essential for minimizing adverse events and enhancing overall patient care quality. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was applied. The study utilized two questionnaires: the Reporting of Clinical Adverse Events Scale (RoCAES) and the Revised Professional Practice Environment (RPPE) scale. A total of 1388 questionnaires were fully filled out, with a response rate of 71 percent. Results: Nurses who expressed higher levels of satisfaction with various aspects of the clinical environment were more inclined to indicate their intention to report adverse events in the future. These positive relationships suggest that a contented clinical environment fosters a greater willingness among nurses to report adverse event occurrences. Conclusion: The findings of our study support the evidence that demonstrated that the clinical environment plays a significant role in influencing the reporting of adverse events in healthcare settings. It significantly influences nurses’ attitudes, quality of care, and adverse event reporting rate. Keywords: clinical environment; adverse events; patient safety; nursing practice
The Importance of the realisation of the right of the child to participate in children's day care centres
No full textThe aim of the study is to reveal the importance of the realisation of the right of the child to participate in children’s day care centres based on the experience of social pedagogues and social workers. Qualitative research was chosen for the study by using the method of semi-structured interview. 11 employees, who work in children’s day care centres in different Lithuanian regions, participated in the study. The study revealed the importance of the implementation of the right of the child to participate to the child, employees, the quality of provided socio-educational services and the continuity of the implementation of this right when cooperating with the family of the child successfully. The importance to the child should be associated with the strengthening of his/her dignity, self-esteem, self-confidence, the ensuring of his better well-being and emotional security; the self-realisation of the child, his/her problem solving, communication, cooperation, activity planning and organizational skills improve, the child develops responsibility and autonomy when taking and realising decisions. The importance to employees should be associated with the better knowledge of the child and understanding of his/her situation, satisfaction of his/her needs, the formation of the relationship with the child based on cooperation. The importance to the quality of provided services should be associated with activities, which meet the needs of the child, the guarantee of a favourable socio-educational environment in children’s day care centres, the opportunity for the child to influence the planning and organization of activities in children’s day care centres. The cooperation with the family of the child guarantees the continuity of the implementation of the right of the child to participate, because parents understand the importance of this right to the well-being of the child and create possibilities for its implementation. Keywords: child, day care centres, participation, right
Analysis of consumers' attitudes towards the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Lithuania regions.
No full textIn the article, the author analyzes the attitude of consumers towards the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Lithuania regions. The purpose of the research is to analyze the attitude of consumers towards the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Lithuania regions. During the research, a quantitative survey (questionnaire survey) was conducted. Data collection methods - analysis of scientific literature and sources, document analysis, questionnaire survey. The article analyzes the consumers' attitude towards the sustainable development of the tourism sector from a theoretical point of view and presents the results of the conducted research. It is concluded that the respondents consider the following factors of sustainable development of the tourism sector to be the most important: development of ecological tourism; accessibility of tourism; creation of tourist routes accessible to all; certification of tourism services; development of the common national route and development of bicycle tourism infrastructure, etc. According to the respondents, the following problems of sustainable development of the tourism sector are usually encountered: economic problem: insufficient investments in the development of sustainable tourism; lack of knowledge about the essence and principles of sustainable tourism in local politics; underdeveloped tourism sector infrastructure, etc. Keywords: consumers' attitudes, Lithuania regions, sustainable development, tourism sector
Activities of a social worker, which develop the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes
No full textSocialiniai darbuotojai, dirbantys specialiuosiuose socialinės globos namuose, teikia priežiūrą ir globą asmenims, turintiems proto (intelekto) negalią (Pålsson, 2023). Globos įstaigoje dirbančio socialinio darbuotojo veiklos labai svarbios, nes nuo socialinio darbuotojo įgyvendinamų veiklų priklauso proto (intelekto) negalią turinčių asmenų poreikių tenkinimas, problemų sprendimo efektyvumas, paslaugų, priežiūros bei klientų gyvenimo kokybės užtikrinimas (Gudžinskienė, 2012). Straipsnyje atskleidžiamos socialinio darbuotojo veiklos, kuriomis lavinami specialiuosiuose socialinės globos namuose gyvenančių proto (intelekto) negalią turinčių asmenų įgūdžiai. Atlikta mokslinės literatūros ir kokybinio tyrimo duomenų analizė. Tyrimo duomenys surinkti naudojant kokybinį tyrimą, taikant iš dalies struktūruotą interviu. Tyrimo metu apklausti socialiniai darbuotojai, dirbantys socialinės globos namuose suaugusiems asmenims su negalia. Tyrimo duomenys atskleidė, kad pagrindinės veiklos, kuriomis socialinis darbuotojas skatina specialiuosiuose socialinės globos namuose gyvenančių proto (intelekto) negalią turinčių asmenų įgūdžių ugdymą, yra sociokultūrinės ir užimtumo veiklos, taip pat mokymas, bendravimas ir pokalbių vystymas, o socialinė įtrauktis didinama bendradarbiavimu su savanoriais, dalyvavimu projektuose, varžybose, lankymųsi koncertuose, bibliotekose, parduotuvėse. Socialinio darbuotojo veiklos, kuriomis lavinami specialiuosiuose socialinės globos namuose gyvenančių proto (intelekto) negalią turinčių asmenų įgūdžiai, gerina neįgaliųjų gyvenimo kokybę. Raktiniai žodžiai: įgūdžių lavinimas, proto (intelekto) negalią turintys asmenys, socialinio darbuotojo veikla, specialieji socialinės globos namai.Relevance of the topic: The activities of a social worker working in a care institution are very important, because their implementation depends on meeting the needs of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities, the efficiency of problem solving, ensuring services, care and the quality of life of clients. Problem of the research: what activities does a social worker implement developing the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes? Subject of the research: the activity of a social worker, which is used to develop the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes. The purpose of the research is to: reveal the activities of a social worker, which is used to develop the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes. Research objectives: 1. To present the psychosocial characteristics of persons with mental disabilities. 2. To describe the activities of a social worker working with persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities in social care homes.3. To identify the activities of the social worker that develop the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes. Research methodology and subjects: Theoretical – analysis of scientific literature; empirical – a semi-structured interview method was used for data collection; the content analysis method was used for the analysis of research data. The participants were social workers, who: 1) have been working in social work for at least 2 years; 2) works with persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities; 3) works in a social care home for adults with disabilities. Empirical research results: A social worker develops the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes mainly by organizing socio-cultural and employment activities, as well as by teaching the disabled, communicating with them and developing conversations. A social worker increases the inclusion of the disabled through such activities as cooperation with volunteers, participation in projects, competitions, attending concerts, libraries, going shopping to stores, participating in events, masses. The activities of a social worker, which develop the skills of persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities living in special social care homes, improve the quality of life of the disabled. Keywords: skills development, persons with mental (intellectual) disabilities, activities of a social worker, special social care homes