“Lituanistika”, International Research Database
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Architectural thesis beyond standards makes a mission of solving sustainability challenges possible
No full textThe study elucidates the concept of sustainability as an intellectual method, based on laws of human nature, for managing creative anthropogenic impacts. This technique is exemplified through anthropological, architectural, and doctoral dissertation strategies, thereby demonstrating that it is characterized by a universal model for achieving standard, innovative, and unprecedented goals. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing an investigation of scientific literature, regulations, traditional Lithuanian architecture, relevant case studies, and the author’s works. Solutions beyond standards, emphasizing individual mission-oriented approaches to tackle the latest sustainability challenges, are identified. This study provides a framework for composing a humanitarian thesis dedicated to inventing a tool for creating and evaluating artistic solutions of sustainable architecture. The foundational structure is suitable for application elsewhere in both scientific and practical discourses. Keywords: innovation, invention, sustainable architecture creation and evaluation, sustainable doctoral dissertation framework
An Innovative STEAM-based method for teaching cycloidal curves in engineering higher education
No full textRobotics offers innovative possibilities at all levels of education, which should be considered when planning the teaching process for certain engineering mathematics topics in higher education. This paper introduces a new teaching–learning technique that utilizes STEAM-based methods to explore cycloidal curves for Computer Science Engineering BSc students. Traditional frontal teaching has been enhanced with methods addressing the generational needs of students, including problem based learning, STEAM integration, and project-based learning. We developed a methodological model that merges traditional teaching advantages with practical modern approaches suitable for Generation Z. The four-stage model for learning cycloidal curves employs various didactical approaches, utilizing different learning techniques at each stage to create an engaging and effective learning experience. A vital component of this model is the use of Desmos dynamic geometry software to create animations alongside educational robotics to aid visualization. We conducted quantitative studies with 98 first-year Computer Science Engineering students using a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the new teaching technique’s effectiveness. Results from the Mann–Whitney U test indicated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed that the four-stage model for learning cycloidal curves enhances learning achievement for all students, regardless of their prior knowledge. Keywords: engineering mathematics; cycloidal curves; dynamic geometry software; central trochoids; project-based learning; LEGO 4C learning model; educational robotics
Evaluating the impact of the Nirvana fitness and functional training programs on young women's state body appreciation and its correlates
No full textThis study examined the effects of the Nirvana Fitness (NF) program on state body appreciation (BA) and its correlates, as well as the mechanisms that could explain these changes. The study participants were allocated to NF (n = 21) and functional training (control, n = 22) groups and participated in an 8-week exercise intervention. The mean age was 24.4 ± 6.7. The participants filled out online questionnaires on state measures of BA, body surveillance (BS), functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, mindfulness in physical activity (SMS-PA), intrinsic exercise motivation (IM), satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and perceived physical fitness (PPF) immediately after the first and last sessions. The results revealed a significant improvement in state BA and its correlates in both groups, with no changes in PPF in the NF group or IM in either group. An interaction between group and time effects was revealed in a change of relatedness, indicating a stronger effect in the NF group. Positive changes in SMS-PA, BS, and satisfaction of the need for relatedness significantly predicted improvement in state BA. These findings highlight the importance of targeting mindfulness, body surveillance, and relatedness during physical activity in interventions aimed at promoting positive body image in university-aged women. Keywords: state mindfulness in physical activity; embodiment; positive body image; self-objectification; self-determination
Assessment of the environmental public goods of the organic farming system: a Lithuanian case study
No full textOrganic farming is a farming system that combines environmental farming practices, a high degree of biodiversity, and the protection of natural resources. All these environmental services are used in society as public goods, contributing to societal welfare. Understanding the opinions of residents on these environmental public goods is essential because they are both consumers and financial contributors to the common agricultural policy. Therefore, it is imperative to further existing scientific knowledge in the field of consumer behaviour. Using Lithuania as a case study, the present study focuses on analysing societal opinion and willingness to pay (WTP) with respect to the environmental public goods (reflected in three components: the reduction in water, soil, and air pollution) of organic farming. This study uses the contingent valuation (CV) method to obtain the WTP for public goods. The median WTP was calculated for multiple environmental public goods from organic agriculture, excluding the protest zero. This study revealed that the residents of Lithuania understood the contribution of organic farming in creating environmental public goods and were concerned about environmental issues. It was crucial for them to have a clean environment with, for example, better drinking water quality, lower air pollution and soil erosion. The application of the CV method showed a median WTP of EUR 24.58 annually per family for environmental public goods. The preference towards environmental public goods differs depending on the socioeconomic characteristics and knowledge about organic farming. These findings provide quantitative information regarding the demand for the environmental effects of organic farming, which could be useful for policy-makers. Such research could also prove useful in setting the future direction of the common agricultural policy. The example of Lithuania was used to present a universal research problem that concerns European countries, especially those in the European Union. Keywords: contingent valuation; organic farming; public goods; willingness to pay
Challenges of ensuring reverse logistics in a military organization using outsourced services
No full textA circular economy is defined as a socially responsible, policy-driven model of business or enterprise operations that contributes to more sustainable society for both current and future generations. Although the implementation of circularity principles in the economy is a long process, the impact it creates on sustainability is long-term, and its benefits will be felt by all future generations. Therefore, the development of circularity in the European Union’s economy must progress, and more and more organizations should implement it as a good practice. The object of the article is the cooperation of civil sector outsourced services and the country’s military forces in the field of reverse logistics. Using a qualitative research methodology, the article demonstrates the potential for the country’s military forces to support the European Union’s circular economy initiative in the context of sustainability. This includes reducing the consumption of natural resources by increasing the value of the closed-loop supply chain and keeping products suitable for consumption as long as possible. Considering the fact that there is limited information dissemination within the military sector, this research presents one of the few opportunities to examine the integration of civilian and military sector efforts for sustainable development from a practical and scientific perspective. The conducted research demonstrates that the closed-loop supply chain and the military’s reverse logistics processes take place but are not fully integrated into one whole. They lack a unified whole directed towards a common goal when reverse logistics activities are correlated to closed-loop supply chain and national circular economy goals, as well as ensuring sustainability. Outsourced services are available and used in the military, in many cases even for reverse logistics activities (repair, storage, transportation, modernization, etc.). This research made it possible to prepare a conceptual model for the organization of the military’s reverse logistics using outsourced services, thereby ensuring the creation of a sustainable supply chain. Keywords: armed forces; circular economy; closed-loop supply chain; reverse logistics; outsourced services; reverse logistics activities; sustainable supply chain
Chronological considerations for the use of the Late Roman-Migration period cemetery at Plinkaigalis, Lithuania
No full textThis study presents new (n=32) and previously published (n=35) human bone 14C AMS dates from 54 individuals interred in 50 burials in the Plinkaigalis cemetery (3rd–7th century AD, Lithuania). The aim of this study is to establish duration of use and identify temporal subgroups within the cemetery. Individuals in group burials were assessed for temporal agreement across individuals and the dates for individuals with multiple dates were combined using OxCal. The Sum command, Interval command, and two Bayesian models (overlapping and abutting periods of use) were used to approximate the use of the site over time and evaluate the chronology of dated burials. An IDW (inverse distance weighted) model was employed to visualize median radiocarbon dates across the cemetery for comparison to earlier IDW interpolations of time at Plinkaigalis. While the two models cannot be distinguished at this time, it can be determined that the site was likely in continuous use from 200–600 cal AD (Sum), 230–560 cal AD (Model 1), 220–550 cal AD (Model 2), or cal 283–508 AD (IDW). The area of the cemetery associated with earliest use shifted east when the IDW model was compared to original data. There was also poor agreement in some group burials and burials with multiple dates. The models generally agree on assignment of burials to phases, but disparate phase assignment was noted across the IDW and Bayesian models. Temporal subgroups cannot be confidently reclassified beyond early/later periods of use based on these models without additional sampling and refinement of the IDW modeling method. Keywords: Late Roman period; Lithuania; Migration period; Plinkaigalis Cemetery; Radiocarbon dating
Guilt-and shame-proneness, birth-related post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth in women with preterm birth
No full textMothers of premature infants are at high risk of experiencing birth trauma and poor postpartum mental health. However, for some, this experience can lead to personal growth. This study examines Lithuanian women with preterm births, where birth-related PTSD is notably higher despite a lower preterm birth rate. Given the common emotional responses of guilt and shame, we explore whether proneness to these emotions moderates the relationship between birth-related PTSD and post-traumatic growth. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous e-survey to collect data. Women (N = 79) who experienced a preterm birth during 2020 to 2021 participated in the study at least 2 months postpartum, completing the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS), the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale (GASP), and the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). The relationship between birth-related post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth was assessed using linear regression, while the roles of guilt and shame proneness in this relationship were evaluated using moderated regression. The results showed that higher birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms were associated with greater post-traumatic growth. However, proneness to shame-related negative self-evaluation weakened this relationship, particularly in women with very preterm births. These findings suggest that trauma models should incorporate the moderating role of shame in recovery outcomes. Women with very preterm births who are prone to shame may require more focused attention from healthcare specialists, with targeted interventions to address these emotional challenges and enhance post-traumatic growth. Additionally, policy initiatives should prioritize support programs tailored to the unique psychological needs of these women. Keywords: preterm birth, birth-related post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, guilt-and shame-proneness
Navigating tourism innovations in the post-COVID-19 era: a case study of Lithuania
No full textThe goal of this article is to uncover the innovative changes that have emerged in Tourist Information Centres (TICs) in Lithuania as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article is based on the assessment of primary research data collected through completed in-depth questionnaires. The research results revealed that a significant number of TICs transformed their activities while adapting them to local tourists. TICs introduced new products, attractions, and services, updated webpages and mobile applications, and created online souvenir shops. The research results indicated that, because of the lockdown, some state tourism institutions in the regions, along with local service providers, experienced a ‘renaissance’ and a successful period. New products and services were essential for the tourism sector’s survival, and the majority of them continue to be used in the post-COVID reality, providing opportunities for greater resilience and reduced dependence on unexpected circumstances in the future. This article addresses discussion points related to general changes in tourism services in the context of resilience and the application of innovations. Additionally, the article introduces the concept of Re-tourism, which adds value to the development of the theoretical framework for post-COVID tourism. Keywords: tourism innovations, Tourist Information Centre, COVID-19 pandemic, post-COVID-19 era, re-tourism conception, Lithuania
New kids on the democracy block: Europeanisation of interest groups in Central and Eastern Europe
No full textThe 2004 EU enlargement and related Europeanisation processes supported the development of stagnated interest group systems in many ways, including with respect to the professionalisation of mainly voluntary-based organisations in Central and Eastern Europe. In the pre-membership period and initial years after joining the EU, national interest groups from Central and Eastern Europe chiefly relied on EU-level interest groups for important information, knowledge, and know-how concerning EU policymaking, whereas 20 years of membership has today established them as equal partners and co-decision-makers. The article elaborates on the Europeanisation of interest groups in the Central and Eastern Europe region from the start of the process of accession to the EU, with three case studies in focus: Lithuania, Poland, and Slovenia. The main research question is: In which different ways has the Europeanisation process influenced interest groups in the region? To address it, the article builds on Johansson and Jacobsson’s (2016) typology of the Europeanisation of interest groups. Six exploratory factors were examined in this regard: (a) contacts with EU policymakers and institutions, (b) interest in EU policymaking, (c) funding received from EU projects and programmes, (d) networking with EU umbrella organisations, (e) participation in open consultations, and (f) the relationship of the group with members. To study the effects of Europeanisation processes in selected countries, web survey data gathered from national interest groups as part of the Comparative Interest Groups Survey project were used. Our results show that interest groups from Central and Eastern Europe have become “European” in a range of ways. Regulatory and discursive Europeanisation is most typical for Polish interest groups, identity Europeanisation for Lithuanian interest groups, and financial and participatory Europeanisation for Lithuanian and Polish interest groups, while organisational Europeanisation has the strongest effect on interest groups in Slovenia. Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe; European Union; Europeanisation; interest groups; Lithuania; Poland; policymaking; Slovenia
Perception of district heating in Europe: a deep dive into influencing factors and the role of regulation
No full textTo increase the deployment of district heating in line with European targets, there is a need to understand consumer perceptions and the role of regulations. Therefore, this paper focuses on consumer perceptions of district heating and analyses the influencing factors. The analysis uses data from an online survey with 4388 participants from nine European countries. In particular, the paper discusses the impact of socio-demographic factors, attitudes and regulations on the perception of district heating. Statistical analyses show that respondents from Denmark and Sweden have the most positive perception, while respondents from Lithuania and the Netherlands have a less positive perception of district heating. In addition, the results indicate that respondents from countries with no mandatory connection, liberalised price regulation and mainly public ownership seem to have a more positive perception of district heating, higher satisfaction when using district heating and a more positive rating of their heating price than those from countries with mandatory connection, regulated prices and a more mixed ownership structure. Overall, the paper provides a first overview of possible factors influencing the perception of district heating and indicates that the mix of appropriate regulations and, in particular, their combined impact, could play an important role in perception. Keywords: consumer perception, district heating, heating policy, monopoly regulation, social acceptance