Different Regions Of Lithuania Research Articles

Factors Affecting Radial Increment Dynamics in Lithuanian Populations of Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.)

Although common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is a widely spread species and important for the forest biodiversity and economy in many European countries, it remains one of the least studied coniferous species. This research is the first attempt to evaluate the factors affecting the increment of Juniperus communis in Lithuanian populations. The aim of this article is to evaluate the patterns of radial increment in Juniperus communis and to identify the key factors influencing the increment. We collected stem discs from 160 junipers in 8 stands distributed in the different regions of Lithuania and performed the tree-ring analysis. All studied junipers expressed a pronounced eccentricity of the stem. The results of our study revealed four patterns of Juniperus communis’ radial increment, which are strongly dependent on the granulometric properties of the soil and hydrologic conditions. The effect of climatic conditions on the Juniperus communis increment was strongly dependent on the terrain; however, most of the junipers had a positive reaction to the temperatures in April, July, and August and to the precipitation in February.

First Observations of Buzzards (Buteo) as Definitive Hosts of Sarcocystis Parasites Forming Cysts in the Brain Tissues of Rodents in Lithuania.

Representatives of the genus Sarcocystis are worldwide distributed apicomplexan parasites characterised by two-host prey-predator relationships. Sarcocystis spp. produce sarcocysts in the muscles and brains of intermediate hosts and develop sporocysts in the intestines of definitive hosts. Two species, Sarcocystis glareoli and Sarcocystis microti, previously assigned to the genus Frenkelia, form cysts in the brains of rodents and are transmitted through the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). In our study, brain samples of 694 small mammals caught in different regions of Lithuania were examined for Sarcocystis spp. Additionally, 10 B. buteo and two rough-legged buzzards (Buteo lagopus) were tested for sporocysts of the analysed parasites. Sarcocystis species were identified based on 28S rRNA sequence comparison. Of the eleven species of small mammals tested, Sarcocystis parasites were observed only in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Cysts of S. glareoli were detected in 34 out of 374 C. glareolus (9.1%, 95% CI = 6.4-12.5%). Molecular investigation showed the presence of only S. glareoli in the intestines of 50% of B. buteo. Furthermore, two species, Sarcocystis sp. Rod3 and Sarcocystis sp. Rod4, were confirmed in B. lagopus. Our results demonstrate the need for further studies on Sarcocystis cycling between rodents and birds.

Raganavimas Lietuvos kaimo bendruomenėje XXI a. pradžioje (folkloro ekspedicijų duomenimis)

The article is based on the materials collected during four folklore fieldwork sessions that took place in the different regions of Lithuania in the first decade of the 21st century. The aim is to present popular beliefs and legend-like narratives related to harmful magic that are still preserved in the Lithuanian villages, and the informants’ attitudes towards them. The point of departure for the analysis was the category of the “strange people” discussed by Norbertas Vėlius in his book “Mythical Beings of the Lithuanian Legends”. However, as folklore data from the beginning of the 21st century reveals, some subcategories of these “strange people” discerned in the book are by now totally extinct from the living tradition (like werewolves or “soul-seers”), while others, including witches, wizards, evil-eyed people and partly, charmers, have inextricably merged together. Thus the article focuses on a general, overlapping phenomenon, namely witchcraft. Having taken into account the universal character of this phenomenon, the author strives to discern its peculiarities that are typical to the Lithuanian village communities. Using comprehensive analysis of the figure of the neighborhood witch developed by the Slovenian folklore researcher Mirjam Mencej, the author discusses typical features and activities of this quasi-mythical being, as reflected in the Lithuanian fieldwork material, i. e. harming of livestock, love magic, curses, and evil-eye. The neighborhood witch is perceived as acting within the framework of the opposition between one’s own and other, moreover, representing both sides of it. Precisely this, according to the author, induces great fear and anxiety that other members of the community exhibit towards this figure, at the same time resulting in its exceptional persistence and longevity.

Yuri Alexandrovich Novikov (30.10.1938 – 12.01.2023)

Yu. A. Novikov is an outstanding researcher of the Old Belief in Lithuania and, more broadly, in the Baltic countries. Actively engaged in the study of folklore in different regions of Lithuania, he left behind an invaluable scientific heritage, which for many years will be in demand by everyone who investigates the problems of history, folklore, the language of old belief in the Baltic countries.

Models for Organising the Education of Ukrainian Children Who Have Fled the War in Lithuanian Municipalities: Psychological, Material, and Linguistic Support

This article presents the situation of the education of Ukrainian refugee children in Lithuania. It analyses the political and practical actions taken by the Lithuanian state when, after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, schools unexpectedly received a large number of children from Ukraine who had not come of their own free will, having fled the war. This article presents how Lithuanian municipalities have acted and the decisions taken to strengthen the psychological microclimate and devise a suitable model of language education. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of different regions of Lithuania in integrating Ukrainian war refugee children into educational institutions in terms of psychological, material, and linguistic support. Semi-structured group interviews (n = 12) were carried out with municipal education department staff, the staff of pedagogical qualification centres, and school managers (n = 206) who have worked on the integration of war refugee children in their municipality. The interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. The results were divided into the following groups: (1) psychological needs of the children, (2) physical needs of the children, (3) the chosen model of Lithuanian language education, and (4) support measures for the integration of the children. The study shows that the quick but timely decisions taken in Lithuania to recruit teachers from Ukraine have helped to resolve the traumatic situations regarding the integration of children.

Interaction and collaboration in Lithuanian schools during COVID-19 pandemic distance learning

Abstract Interaction and collaboration are essential pillars of successful learning.. The study aimed to find out how school communities collaborated during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced. The selection of eight schools was made in a targeted way, considering that the participating schools would have chosen different virtual learning environments or technologies used for distance learning; and that schools would be of different types and sizes, and from different regions of Lithuania.. Three methods were used in this qualitative study: analysis of scientific literature, expert interviews, and focus group discussions. The results of our study confirmed that the focus of distance learning is on technological solutions, but not on the methodologies and strategies used to organise learning in virtual learning environments. Moving ‘traditional’ teaching to virtual space has become a key strategy for organising learning in virtual learning environments. The transfer of ‘traditional’ teaching strategies to distance learning not only limits the impactful interaction in virtual learning environments but also encourages ‘academic dishonesty’ among students. The success of distance learning strongly depends on students’ motivation, as well as their ability to organise their learning, solve problems in teams and critically evaluate the information provided.

Genetic Diversity of Babesia canis Strains in Dogs in Lithuania.

Canine babesiosis is an emerging and rapidly expanding tick-borne disease in central and northeast Europe. In the last two decades, the endemic area of Babesia canis has expanded from central Europe to the Baltic region. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of B. canis strains isolated from naturally infected dogs in different regions of Lithuania using PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses based on a partial region of 18S rRNA and Bc28.1 genes. Blood samples from 149 dogs suspected of having babesiosis were collected in Lithuania during 2016–2017. Based on PCR-RFLP profiles and two nucleotide substitutions observed in 18S rRNA gene sequences, three B. canis genotypes were identified in Lithuania—18S rRNA-A, 18S rRNA-B and 18S rRNA-A/B—with the A/B genotype predominating (83.9%). Based on the obtained PCR-RFLP profiles of the Bc28.1 gene, four B. canis genotypes were identified: Bc28.1-B (53.8%), Bc28.1-34 (20.8%), Bc28.1-A (17.9%), and Bc28.1-34/A or B (7.5%). Sequence analysis of the partial Bc28.1 gene revealed eighteen polymorphic sites and thirteen sequence variants among the Lithuanian samples. The B. canis genotypes obtained were detected with varying prevalences in different regions of Lithuania.

COWSLIP (PRIMULA VERIS L.) CHEMICAL COMPOSITION DEPENDENCE ON THE SOIL PROPERTIES

It is known that perennial herbaceous plants growing in harsh conditions in unfertilized soils accumulate large amounts of valuable substances. The aim of the study was to investigate the main chemical composition of wild growth cowslip (Primula veris L.) leaves and inflorescences. Plants samples were collected in April–May of 2019 in different regions of Lithuania (area No. 1 and area No. 2). The plant samples were analyzed immediately after harvesting. Dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity was determined by standard methods. Total carotenoid content, chlorophyll a, and b were analyzed by spectrophotometer. The total phenolic content was established by using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The amount of crude ash was determined by the dry burning of samples at a temperature of 500 °C. Phosphorus was measured photometrically, calcium content was established according to Commission Directive. The potassium was determined by flame photometry, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and boron contents were identified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were analyzed by using a two-way analysis of variance. Our research data analysis showed the different chemical compositions of cowslip samples collected from different areas. Higher amounts of dry matter, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a and b, total carotenoids, and total phenolics were found in the plants from area No. 1. In the plants from area No. 2 were established higher content of crude ash. The amounts of mineral elements in plants varied unequally. The correlations showed the dependence of the chemical composition of cowslip aerial parts on the soil composition.

The effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure of wild boar (Sus scrofa) population in Lithuania

BackgroundWild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widely distributed ungulate whose success can be attributed to a variety of ecological features. The genetic variation and population structure of Lithuania’s wild boar population have not yet been thoroughly studied. The purposes of this study were to investigate the genetic diversity of S. scrofa and assess the effects of habitat fragmentation on the population structure of wild boar in Lithuania. A total of 96 S. scrofa individuals collected from different regions of Lithuania were genotyped using fifteen microsatellite loci.ResultsThe microsatellite analysis of the wild boars indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. Microsatellite markers showed evidence of a single panmictic wild boar population in Lithuania according to STRUCTURE’s highest average likelihood, which was K = 1. This was supported by pairwise Fst values and AMOVA, which indicated no differentiation between the four sampling areas. The results of the Mantel test revealed a weak isolation by distance and geographic diversity gradients that persisted between locations. Motorway fencing and heavy traffic were not an effective barrier to wild boar movement.ConclusionsThere was limited evidence of population genetic structure among the wild boar, supporting the presence of a single population across the study area and indicating that there may be no barriers hindering wild boar dispersal across the landscape. The widespread wild boar population in Lithuania, the high level of genetic variation observed within subpopulations, and the low level of variation identified between subpopulations suggest migration and gene flow between locations. The results of this study should provide valuable information in future for understanding and comparing the detailed structure of wild boar population in Lithuania following the outbreak of African swine fever.

Europos Sąjungos struktūrinių lėšų PANAUDOJIMO pagal Žmogiškųjų išteklių plėtros veiksmų programą ir prioritetus kitimas Lietuvos savivaldybėse

European Union support for Lithuania undoubtedly makes a positive impact on economic growth and it structure. But there is even more important that a considerable funds flowing to different regions of Lithuania, and are focused to their economic development, the promotion of cohesion and human resources development. From the beginning of Lithuania’s independence the territorial differences of regional development began to emerge, which progressively deepened over time. These differences affected the sector of human resources: the economic activity of the population, education, knowledge, skills and other areas.The development of human resources is one of the objectives of European Union’s regional policy. Therefore, the aim of the study – to analyze the changes in use of European Union funds in Lithuania’ municipalities over the 2007–2013 period. Keywords: human resources, European Union, funding, regions. Jel codes: R11, R12, J24. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15181/rfds.v15i1.987

Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cannabis sativa L. using FRAP and CUPRAP assays

Cannabis is one of the oldest plants on earth, which is known and used for medical purposes. There are many articles on hempseed oil research in the scientific databases, while the antioxidant activity of Cannabis sativa L. herb extracts has not been extensively studied yet, to our knowledge. In the present study, antioxidant properties of different Cannabis sativa L. varieties from different regions of Lithuania were examined. Spectrophotometric FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) methods were used for determination. It was found that Cannabis sativa L. herb extracts possess antioxidant activity. The strongest antioxidant activity was evaluated in the Futura variety and the lowest in Manoica. The obtained results showed that a statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05) higher reductive power was determined by analysing the raw material by the spectrophotometric FRAP method. According to the hemp growth location in Lithuania, the highest TEAC values were estimated in the samples from the North region.

The Cards of Internal Passports of the Population of Kaunas City of the 1920–1940s as a Source of Genealogy and Local History

This article analyzes the cards of internal passports issued in Kaunas city in 1920–1940 and the sociodemographic data of the population (nationality, confession, place of birth, work activity, etc.) provided in them. Their significance for the researches of genealogy and local history is discussed. It was found that in 1920–1940, 89 620 people received internal passports in Kaunas, including 58.76% Lithuanians, 30.27% Jews, 3.16% Poles, 3.12% Germans, 2.74% Russians, 0.33% Belarusians; 59.13% of the persons who received internal passports in Kaunas were Catholics, 28.9% – Jews, 5.44% – Evangelical Lutherans and Evangelical Reformats, 3.14% – Orthodox, 0.96% – Old Believers. These results are in many cases close to the data of the 1923 general census of the Lithuanian population; 35.22% of the residents of Kaunas were born in this city, 11.4% – in Kaunas County, 6.86% – in then-Soviet Union’s territory, while the rest – in the different regions of Lithuania and abroad. According to the character of the working activity (occupation), Lithuanians were significantly dominant among the officials (90.94%), being farmers (88.05%), servants (82.84%), or workers (75.85%), while Jews were predominant among traders (83.2%).

Changing temperate climate conditions for winter roads in the twenty-first century (Lithuanian example)

It is undeniable that winter weather is the most dangerous for all road users. Temperate climate creates winter weather conditions that are definitely challenging for road maintenance specialists: one year can be excessively snowy and relatively warm (high daily accident risk and maintenance costs), while the other would be cold and dry (lack of preparedness, lower maintenance, but higher standby costs). Therefore, with ongoing climate change, it is uncertain what weather can be expected in the future, especially with current predictions claiming climate change will bring higher variability and more frequent weather extremes. In order to estimate future impacts of climate change to road conditions (and traffic safety) during temperate winter, an analysis of climate model predictions was performed, using Lithuania as an example of such climate conditions. The focus of this analysis is on meteorological variables that are unfavourable for roads: number of days when air temperature fluctuates around 0 °C, number of days with snow and number of days with adverse driving conditions. Several time periods were chosen: reference (1986–2005), near-term (2016–2035) and long-term (2081–2100). The projections were made using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) outputs of 4 Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5). The data outputs of 3 global circulation models (GFDL-CM3, NorESM1-M and HadGEM2-ES) were statistically downscaled for meteorological stations in different regions of Lithuania in order to create distribution maps of climatic variables in the twenty-first century. Results showed that winter driving conditions should improve, and maintenance levels should decrease by the end of the twenty-first century. Nevertheless, a possibility remains that road maintenance and traffic safety might become less effective due to lack of awareness and preparedness, resulting in sudden and unexpected worsening of driving conditions on a day to day basis.

Autonomy, Collaboration and Competition: The Impact of Education Management Reforms which Aim to Increase School Autonomy on Relations between Schools

Abstract In recent decades, the neoliberal education policy has been implemented in many countries, by reducing the state’s role in education management. Lithuania is one of the countries which after the restoration of Independence in 1991 and collapse of the Soviet Union has decentralized its education management system by giving more autonomy to schools and local authorities. Education-management reforms, which have already been implemented or are currently being implemented in response to social, economic and political changes in the country, have an impact on relationships between schools. Purpose: This article reports the findings of a study which reviewed education management reforms aimed at increasing school autonomy and their impact on inter-school collaboration and competition. Research Method: This study employs a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews. Twenty-four elementary and secondary school principals from different regions of Lithuania were interviewed. Findings: The results reveal that a significant influence on relations between schools comes from government decisions which relate to school autonomy, school choice, allocation of funds, school ranking, and the like. Implications: This study generates discussions on the impact of the education management reforms which aim to enhance school autonomy on inter-school relationships. In order to answer that question, a theoretical model of research was developed, including the theoretical basis of school autonomy, collaboration and competition, as well as the characteristics of Lithuanian education governance.

Analysis of the stress (RYR1) gene and osteochondrosis in wild boars in Lithuania

The aim of the experiment was to determine the RYR1 genotype and to analyse the distribution of osteochondrosis (OC) in wild boars from different regions of Lithuania. Hair and bone samples were collected from wild boars of various sexes and ages that had been shot during hunting season. Genomic DNA was extracted from hair roots. The RYR1 gene was analysed with the PCR-RFLP method, using specific primers and restriction enzymes Alw211 and Hin61. Only one C allele (q = 1.00) and CC genotype of the RYR1 gene were identified. Thus 138 genotyped wild boars were stress-resistant with both dominant alleles intact (no mutation). OC was measured by the cut surface of the distal femur and humerus. The prevalence of OC among the 34 wild boars tested was 20.6%. 5 animals (14.7%) had OC lesions in the hind legs and 2 animals (5.9%) had them in the front legs. OC affected leg joints more often in adult females (third-years and older), but this dependence was not significant (p > 0.05)..

Impact of anthropogenic pressure on the formation of population structure and genetic diversity of raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides.

The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides experienced an active introduction and acclimatization in the European part of Russia followed by its migration to and colonization in the neighboring countries. Eventually, it has spread rapidly into many European countries. N. procyonoides probably invaded Lithuania from the neighboring countries of Belarus and Latvia where the species was introduced. However, the data on genetic diversity and population structure of the raccoon dogs in the recently invaded territories are still scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate genetic diversity of N. procyonoides in Lithuania after acclimatization, and to assess the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the formation of population structure. A total of 147 N. procyonoides individuals collected from different regions of Lithuania were genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers. The microsatellite analysis of raccoon dogs indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. The Bayesian clustering analysis in STRUCTURE identified 4 genetic clusters among sampled raccoon dogs that could not reveal a clear separation between subpopulations. The widespread distribution of raccoon dogs in Lithuania, high level of genetic variation observed within subpopulations, and low level of variation portioned among subpopulations suggest migration and gene flow among locations. The significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances indicated isolation that reflected the distance between locations. The fencing of highways and very intensive traffic could be barriers to gene flow between the western and eastern sampling areas of raccoon dogs.

Accumulation and translocation peculiarities of 137Cs and 40K in the soil – plant system

Long-term investigations (1996–2008) were conducted into the 137Cs and 40K in the soil of forests, swamps and meadows in different regions of Lithuania, as well as in the plants growing in these media. The 137Cs and 40K activity concentrations, the 137Cs/40K activity concentration ratio and accumulation, and translocation in the system, i.e. from the soil to plant roots to above-ground plant part of these radionuclides, were evaluated after gamma-spectrometric measurements using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector.Based on the obtained data, it can be asserted that in the tested plant species, the 137Cs and 40K accumulation, the transfer from soil to roots and translocation within the plants depend on the plant species and environmental ecological conditions. The 137Cs/40K activity concentration ratios in the same plant species in different regions of Lithuania are different and this ratio depends on the biotope (forest, swamp or meadow) in which the plant grows and on the location of the growing region. Based on the determined trends of statistically reliable inverse dependence between the activity concentrations in both soil and plants, it can be stated that the exchange of 137Cs and 40K in plants and soil is different. Different accumulations and translocations of investigated radionuclides in the same plant species indicate diverse biological metabolism of 137Cs and its chemical analogue 40K in plants. A competitive relationship exists between 137Cs and 40K in plants as well as in the soil.

Nedarbo lygio sąsajos su ekonominiais rodikliais Lietuvoje

High unemployment rate is one of the most pressing social and economic problems which are preventing residents make good use of the economic benefits. Although one of the main purposes of the European Union and Lithuania – to increase employment, statistical data show that the unemployment rate remains relatively high and in different regions of Lithuania is not the same. The aim of the work - analyse changes the level of unemployment in the regions of Lithuania and to determine a link between the level of unemployment and to economic indicators. The methodics of research: assessment of the territorial unemployment rate differentiation consists of three phases: 1) identify the territorial differentiation of unemployment and the reasons identified in the employment and labor market policies to reduce unemployment; 2) examined the unemployment trend in Lithuania; 3) set the relationship between the level of unemployment and selected economic indicators. For reserach was used the secondary data of Lithuanian Department of Statistics. The period of research 2009–2014 year. The results of research showed that unemployment rate in the analyzed period changed mostly in counties of Klaipeda, Telsiai and Panevezys. The unemployment rate in the four counties – Panevezys, Siauliai, Telsiai and Utena was higher than our overall national average. We have analyzed the relationship between unemployment and foreign direct investment per capita, material investments per capita, Lithuanian goods exports per capita. It confirmed that chosen economic indicators had a significant impact on the unemployment rate only in some counties during the analyzed period.

Public Knowledge, Beliefs and Behavior on Antibiotic Use and Self-Medication in Lithuania.

Irrational antibiotic use has led society to antibiotic resistance—a serious health problem worldwide. This study aimed to assess public knowledge, beliefs, and behavior concerning antibiotic use and self-medication in Lithuania. The cross-sectional survey method was processed using a validated questionnaire in different regions of Lithuania. In total, 1005 adults completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. More than half of the respondents (61.1%) had poor knowledge of antibiotics. Almost half of the respondents incorrectly identified antibiotics as being effective either against viral (26.0%) or mixed (bacterial and viral) infections (21.7%). The respondents with lower educational qualifications (OR = 2.515; 95% CI 1.464–4.319; p = 0.001) and those from rural areas (OR = 1.765; 95% CI 1.041–2.991; p = 0.035) were significantly less knowledgeable of antibiotics. There was no significant difference between genders, different age groups, or different parenthood status. The determined level of self–medication with antibiotics was 31.0%. The men (OR = 1.650; 95% CI 1.120–2.430; p = 0.011), the respondents from rural areas (OR = 2.002; 95% CI 1.343–2.985; p = 0.001), and those without children (OR = 2.428; 95% CI 1.477–3.991; p < 0.001) were more likely to use antibiotics in self-medication. Lithuanian residents’ knowledge of antibiotics is insufficient. More information about antibiotic use should be provided by physicians and pharmacists. Self-medication with antibiotics is a serious problem in Lithuania and requires considerable attention.

Agrobiological potential of some soil crucifers of Lithuania's spontaneous flora

A total of 56 seed samples of five spontaneus Brassicaceae species – flixweed (Descurainia sophia L.), wallflower mustard (Erysimum cheiranthoides L.), fanweed (Thlaspi arvense L.), sea rocket (Cakile baltica Jord. ex Pobed.) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.)) were collected in different regions of Lithuania. The samples were sown in autumn (2008–2009) and spring (2009–2010) in the fields of Experimental Station of Lithuanian University of Agriculture on a Calc(ar)i-Epihypogleyic Luvisol (LVg-p-w-cc). Phenological observations and assessment of productivity parameters were performed. All the investigated autumn-sown species, except for T. arvense, produced higher stems and surpassed spring-sown plants in productivity parameters. Meanwhile, for T. arvense the weather conditions had greater influence than sowing time. The most stable parameters for the study period were the amount of oil in seeds (V = 6.3–11.3) and the number of silicles per inflorescence (V = 20.7– 43.2). The most unstable parameters were the number of inflorescences (V = 30.93–94.4) and seed yield per plant (V = 16.5–135.0). D. sophia (6.4 ± 0.9 g) exhibited the highest single plant productivity and stability of features. Among the studied species E. cheiranthoides distinguished itself by the highest (37.8 ± 2.6% DM (dry mass) and the most stable (V = 6.9) oil content in the seeds.