“Lituanistika”, International Research Database
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Development of a methodology for the monitoring of socio-economic indicators of private forest owners towards sustainable forest management: the case of Lithuania
No full textThe development of a monitoring system for the socio-economic indicators of private forest owners includes the comprehensive collection of various socio-economic data. These data encompass general information about private forests owners, the need for monitoring, periodicity, and other relevant factors. This holistic approach allows for a detailed assessment of the social and economic conditions of private forest owners, as well as the economic efficiency of their operations, ultimately aiming to achieve sustainable forest management. This research builds upon previous studies by the authors that investigated the need for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of private forests and involved interviews with forest experts. Based on the data obtained from these earlier efforts, this study aims to present a refined methodology for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of Lithuanian private forest owners. Based on the findings of this research, it is highly recommended that monitoring be implemented at the state level across the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The results of this research show that the monitoring of the economic and social indicators of private forest owners benefits not only the owners but also the state and society as a whole. Residence size, property size, and association membership emerged as the most significant factors influencing the need for forest monitoring, while knowledge in forestry, distance to the forest, and gender showed weaker but still notable effects. The research results suggest that monitoring can help to ensure the sustainable management of forests and the maintenance of ecosystem services, in addition to contributing to the region’s economic development. It is recommended that this monitoring be conducted every five years. Keywords: development of monitoring system; private forest owners; social and economic indicators; sustainable forest management
Exploring the neurodiversity of Lithuanian college students and its link to learning difficulties and supporting measures
No full textEnhancing the inclusion of neurodiverse students in higher education institutions represents a significant and evolving challenge for educators. Recognizing learning difficulties and equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively work with and communicate with neuro-diverse students are crucial steps toward achieving social inclusion. Aim – to explore the neurodiversity of Lithuanian college students and its link to learning difficulties and supporting measures. Two developmental adult disorders were presented to illustrate the expression of neurodiversity including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A cross-sectional survey included 512 students from Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution. The survey assessed 39 attributes related to students’ learning difficulties and supporting measures. The nine scales, consisting of 39 items, demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.76. Due to the unequal and smaller sample sizes of attention deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrum disorders having students, non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis) were used. Spearman's correlation coefficient (R²) was used for correlation analysis. Results. Nearly a quarter of the students associate their neurodiversity with ADHD, with 22.3 % suspecting they have the condition and 2 % noted that this is confirmed. 4.7% of students consider themselves to be on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 0.6% having a confirmed diagnosis. Statistically significant differences were identified in the relationship between ADHD and attention difficulties at home, college, sensory sensitivity and specific learning difficulties (p ≤ 0.05). ADHD and ASS suspected of having students tend to have lower grade point average (GPAs). Students who suspect or confirm having ADHD express a higher preference for organizational tools compared to those without ADHD, with a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05). Preferences for explanations and illustrations are higher among those suspecting ADHD (p ≤ 0.05). The analysis of expectations from lecturers and organization concerning ASD shows minimal variation among groups (p≥0.05). Conclusions. Neurodiversity among students is a relevant phenomenon that is associated with learning difficulties that interfere with achieving good learning outcomes. However, the role of the teacher and organization is exclusively relevant for the ADHD student group. For ASD students and neurotypical students, universal approaches are appropriate. Keywords: neurodiversity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), higher education institution, students, learning difficulties, supporting measures
Tackling carbon footprints: sustainability challenges of hosting the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania
No full textThe purpose of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint of the 2023 EuroLeague Men’s Final Four competition and identify the sources of the carbon footprint in sports. This study also aims to predict possible solutions to reduce this footprint. Mixed research methods were used in this study. Firstly, carbon footprint calculations related to the teams and fan travel were carried out. In the second step, interviews were conducted with the managers of the teams that won the basketball Final Four. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview. The total carbon footprint of the four teams participating in the competitions was calculated as 4560.25 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint of the teams per person was calculated as 189.74 kg. The total carbon footprint of the fans of the four teams was calculated as 4065.686 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint per capita of the fans was calculated as 3.003 kg. According to the interview findings, the carbon footprint sources in sports were identified as traveling, energy consumption, and waste generation. Turning to renewable energy sources, waste management and sustainable transport alternatives were identified as effective solutions for reducing the carbon footprint. Analysis of the research results showed that the interest and participation in the Final Four and other international organizations are increasing. Due to increasing carbon footprint, these events and competitions should be planned and conducted in accordance with the goals of environmental sustainability. For this purpose, managers and policy makers should turn to clean energy sources, including waste management and recycling strategies, the preparation of sustainable transportation projects, and integrating all these processes into organization activities. Keywords: basketball; carbon footprint; climate change; Euro league; final four; sustainability; sports
Macatė v. Lithuania: may public authorities and private actors discriminate against the content of a message?
No full textOn 23 January 2023, in Macatė v. Lithuania, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) held by 17 votes to 0 that restrictions on a book of six fairy tales for children, two of which included same-sex couples, violated Article 10. Indeed, the Grand Chamber found that measures ‘limit[ing] children’s access to information depicting same-sex relationships as essentially equivalent to different-sex relationships, [and] labelling such information as harmful ... did not pursue a legitimate aim ... ’2 This was an unusually strong decision, in that the ECtHR almost always finds that the respondent government’s measures pursued a legitimate aim of one kind or another, and that the proportionality of those measures must be considered. After finding a violation of Article 10, the ECtHR ruled by 12 votes to 5 ‘that there is no need to examine separately the applicant’s complaint [of discrimination] under Article 14 ... taken in conjunction with Article 10’. 3 I will argue below that the five dissenting judges were right to examine the complaint and find a violation of Article 14 (combined with Article 10). [...
Not exactly jumping on the green bandwagon: the Lithuanian hospitality scene
No full textIn recent years, sustainability has become a key focus in the global tourism and hospitality industry, with hotels increasingly adopting waste reduction strategies, resource optimization, and sustainable supply chain practices. However, the extent of adoption varies due to strategic decisions, resistance to change, and other contextual factors. This paper, grounded in a comprehensive sustainability framework, explores the Lithuanian context through a diagnostic investigation of 37 hotels in Vilnius. Employing a mixed-method approach, it aims to examine their current corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The findings reveal that while hotels in Vilnius voluntarily adopt sustainability practices across environmental, economic, and social domains, significant gaps remain, including a lack of formal sustainability policies and limited transparency. Despite these challenges, there is a growing need to improve and adopt more structured sustainability practices, which could notably enhance the sector’s overall performance. This paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to promote sustainable development in Lithuania and beyond. Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; corporate social responsibility (CSR); tourism and hospitality industry; green hotels
Predictors of deep learning and competence development in children aged 5-7 using augmented reality technology
No full textWhile a number of studies have shown the potential and benefits of augmented reality (AR) technology for preschool education, less attention has been paid to the problem of children’s deep learning and development of the competencies applying AR and to the pedagogy of AR. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to uncover the educational predictors of deep learning and competence development of 5–7-year-old children using AR technology. The research adopted a quantitative research approach and a survey design. The participants were 319 preschool teachers using AR technology for children’s education. The study revealed that a statistically significant predictor of promoting deep learning in preschool children is teachers’ roles, based on a constructivist and socio-cultural approach, when using AR. The research highlights the roles of the teacher as a creator of learning contexts and situations that engage children; the teacher as a proactive facilitator of children’s learning; and the teacher as an educator who acts, thinks and reflects with children, among others. Statistically significant educational predictors of children’s competence development were found to be: teachers’ perceptions of AR technology, the roles assumed by teachers, and the areas of children’s education in which AR technology is used. Keywords: augmented reality technology; preschool education; deep learning; children’s competences; the roles of teachers
Professional becoming of male nurses: a qualitative study in Lithuania
No full textPurpose: To reveal the features of Lithuanian male nurses’ professional becoming. Methods: The participants were six men who had been working as nurses for over a year, and one man who had been formerly employed as a nurse for over a year. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis by Braun & Clarke. Results: 17 themes emerged after analysis: nursing not being the first choice, weird feelings of being in the minority during studies, having a vague initial idea of the work and a hard time starting the job; desire to help and interact with people, a tiring but fascinating variety of work, wide professional opportunities and love for the job; the challenges of high pace and workload, undervaluation and stereotypes, coping by standing up for oneself and separating work and life; the importance of a good team, gender being of little significance and joy that the number of men is increasing. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the growing knowledge of male nurses’ experiences. The study sheds light on the challenges and rewards of being a male nurse in Lithuania, providing guidance for future research and highlighting the need to raise public awareness. Keywords: male nurses; professional becoming; entry into profession; work experiences; qualitative research; thematic analysis
The Challenges of the presumption of innocence in Lithuanian criminal proceedings
No full textAlthough one of the key principles of the criminal procedure law - the presumption of innocence is officially declared as an aspiration in Lithuanian legal regulation and case law, there are still some areas of possible threat to this key principle. Therefore, the purpose of this research paper is to identify and analyse specific problems of ensuring the presumption of innocence in Lithuanian criminal law and criminal procedure law. So, the analysis was based on three main questions: the difficulties of ensuring the presumption of innocence in the Lithuanian criminal procedural law and Lithuanian criminal law and in the context of media. The research was carried out by employing the logical, the systematic, the linguistic, the historical, the comparative and the synthesizing research methods as well as the analysis of legal documents. The results of research analysis revealed specific areas that pose the greatest threat to violation of the presumption of innocence, as grounds for the termination of a criminal case; the general basis for issuing a preventive measure (arrest); complicity where the accomplices are tried in separate cases and media statements that have a direct impact on the impartiality of judges. Keywords: Lithuanian law, presumption of innocence, criminal law, criminal procedure law
Lithuania's reverberating Singing Revolution and generational fissures beyond the post-Soviet
No full text[...] In this chapter, I explore an ongoing reckoning with collective transgenerational trauma as it manifests in both reverberating memories of Soviet Lithuania’s rock scene from the Singing Revolution years and in changing trends in current rock and pop works. I look at how performers and audiences navigated, via rock music, memories of the Singing Revolution based on circulating media coverage, documentary films, and political initiatives. These reverberations of 1980s Lithuanian rock are then contextualized with currently produced rock and pop songs that demonstrate two clashing kinds of aesthetics – a lingering post-Soviet concentration on imitating songs from the West, and the latest (‘post-post-Soviet’) retrospective exploration of Lithuania’s sonic map. Finally, I discuss potential reasons for conflicting and co-existing socio-cultural currents in Lithuania in line with ongoing generational fissures and the collective processing of the recent past. [...
Lithuanian music after 1990: from the post-Soviet condition to the regime of presentism
No full text[...] Based on such an approach, I identify four historical regimes or modes of time in Lithuanian music culture before and after 1990 – post-Soviet, post colonial, post-national, and presentist – as dominant chronologies of transition. These are selective conditions of temporal experience that can be identified over a period of three decades, and I find them convenient for discussing the changing reflection of time in Lithuanian musical practices. The historical regimes in question are contrasting, and throughout this chapter I point to artistic practices exemplifying these regimes, which are characterized by a sharply felt need to capture the musical and non-musical present. As the theme is broad, I use the concept of transtextuality to reveal relationships between composers’ use of foreign musical material as a contextual reference indicative of agency. [...