Experience Of Lithuania Research Articles

Diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera venom allergy in adults: A single-center experience in Lithuania

BackgroundVenom-specific immunotherapy (VIT) is a major treatment for patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom. Thus, correct diagnosis of sensitization, identification of the risk factors, and choice of venom for the treatment are the key issues. ObjectiveWe aimed to describe diagnostic and treatment experience data of VIT performed in a single center in Lithuania. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed 9 years of clinical data (severity of the allergic reaction, recognition of the culprit insects, diagnostics, VIT protocol safety and efficacy, sting challenge outcomes) of patients treated with cluster VIT. Sting challenge helped to reveal the influence of venom preparation quality and to adjust the dosage of venom. ResultsData from 83 patients were analyzed. Double sensitization confirmed by component diagnosis was found in 39.4% (13/33), and double immunotherapy was initiated in 9.1% (n = 3/33). The cluster immunotherapy protocol was used in 81 patients. Systemic reactions occurred in 7.4% (n = 6/81) patients during the build-up phase. VIT failure was related to bee venom immunotherapy and systemic reactions during a build-up phase. The efficacy in the short term of our approach to cluster VIT was confirmed by the sting challenge in 97% (42/43). Nine patients (10.8%, n = 9/83) voluntarily stopped the treatment due to a lack of motivation. ConclusionOur protocol regarding the investigation and treatment of patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom has been safe and effective. Patient's motivation to continue VIT is one of the concerns, but the biggest challenge is the patients with bee venom allergy and repeated systemic reactions during VIT.

Primary Grade Students' Experiences about Lithuanian Language Lessons on the "Minecraft" Platform

Based on the experience of Lithuania and foreign researchers and practitioners, the article analyses theoretically the advantages of using Minecraft digital tool in the educational process and highlights the positive aspects of Minecraft lessons. The aim of the study: to determine the factors determining the withdrawal from studies and their relationship with the students' attitude towards studies. Research methods: a qualitative method (student reflections) was used to investigate students' attitudes towards Minecraft lithuanian language lessons. The content analysis method was used to identify students' experiences in terms of the development of general and subject competences in virtual Minecraft lithuanian language lessons. The results of the study will have practical significance in predicting the possibilities of applying Minecraft in the educational process.

Are the basics of calculus necessary in Lithuanian gymnasium?

The article discusses the experience of Lithuania and some other European countries in respect of teaching the basics of calculus at secondary school.Attention is drawn to the fact that the basics of calculus is taught in several (2 to 4) levels in many European countries.A shift to a three-level teaching system as well as the arrangement of the state graduation examinations of mathematics according to the three-level curricula in Lithuanian gymnasia is suggested here.

Nonviolent civil resistance against military force: The experience of Lithuania in 1991

Evolving threats to national security have resulted in the adoption of comprehensive (total) defence concepts by a number of small and medium states. Civil resistance constitutes a considerable part of such concepts, complementing military defence. The historical experience of Lithuania proved the value of nonviolent resistance between 1988 and 1991 for regaining independence, and defending it in January 1991. The aim of this article is to analyse the role of non-violent civil resistance in the national defence system, based on the experience of 13 January 1991 in Lithuania and develop further discussion about the concept of civil resistance. The methodological approach of the article is based on historical and theoretical analysis. This allows the experience of Lithuania to be assessed on the basis of Lithuanian National Security and Defence Strategy and scientific research. Lithuanian non-violent civil resistance in 1988–1991 was successful in terms of strategy, leadership, organisation, planning, non-violence priorities and the number of citizens involved. The leaders of the movement were able to mobilise people into a widespread movement based on their moral authority and value orientations, strongly appealing to different groups in society. Lithuania’s independence was achieved with minimal human sacrifice, preserving the country’s resources and infrastructure. This experience of non-violent civil resistance came to be used by modern state institutions to create strategic documents of the state. In the current situation, it is necessary to focus not only on the knowledge required for state defence and civil resistance, but also on its moral aspects such as values, ethical behaviour, civic and human maturity.

MIGRATION OF SCIENTISTS IN THE GROWTH OF THE POTENTIAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL SPACE: LESSONS OF EU AND US COUNTRIES

Such a phenomenon as the migration of scientists can be considered from different points of view. In particular, some scholars share the view that this is a negative aspect in the development of the scientific and educational space of a particular country, while others believe that with the right migration policy, it can greatly strengthen the competitiveness of the country that scientists leave. The aim of the article is to highlight the latest trends in the policies of various EU and US countries, as well as to develop practical recommendations for the implementation of some aspects of Ukraine's migration policy for such a category as scientists. The main research method is a comparative analysis, which allows to clearly identify the advantages and disadvantages of each migration policy of each country. The migration of scientists can be used by a single university to establish strong communication with those universities that accept immigrant scientists, which will only be useful for building their future relationships. The article also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of such a phenomenon as the migration of scientists. The definition of virtual migration is given and its main forms and directions are determined. The article considers and compares the migration of scientists and the migration of engineers on the example of Great Britain. It is proved that foreign scientists often occupy positions in those fields where domestic specialists for various reasons do not want to work. The experience of Lithuania has proved the possibility of successful cooperation, which goes beyond the individual level to the level of cooperation with foreign universities. And this was facilitated by the tendency to digitalize various processes. It has been determined that scientists belong to one of the most traveling professions, and many scientists cross borders in search of opportunities. Their state of affairs is explained primarily by an adventurous spirit and a thirst for constant search, which is developed in scientists. Moreover, it is simply the nature of the work - usually, depending on the topic, only a dozen scientists can deeply understand a narrow study - not to mention to help advance it, so scientists are forced to migrate around the world. Upon completion, a number of measures are proposed to increase the potential for cooperation between scientists of Ukrainian origin around the world.

Decisions about the Beauty of Lithuania in Jean Mauclère’s 'Sous le ciel pâle de Lithuanie'

Drawing on the theoretical premises of imagology and geocriticism, the article analyzes the aesthetic experience of the traveler who traverses Lithuanian cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda), walks across small towns, stops over in villages, and makes his way to the seaside. The local aesthetic identity of the newly discovered country, i.e. its beauty and/or loathsomeness, is revealed by the author Jean Mauclère through a few perspectives: on the one hand, it is the beauty of nature, folk and professional art (architectural exteriors and interiors, fine arts, music), the physical type of Lithuanian men and women. This identity, as Mauclère suggests, reveals itself in the contexts of local history, traditions and culture. Although the author seeks to remain objective in his description of his new aesthetic experience in Lithuania, he remains a representative of his own French culture and its traditions nonetheless. On the other hand, he underlines the otherness of the novelty of his experience.

Successful laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: first experience in Lithuania.

The aim of this paper is to share the initial results of LLDN in high-volume university centre that is performing laparoscopic nephrectomies for other indications. During 2017, four LLDNs were performed. The transperitoneal approach was used in all cases and the kidney was removed using a suprapubic incision. All donors and recipients were prospectively analysed within six-month follow-up. The patients' clinical, laboratory, and operation-related data were collected from direct interviews with them and from medical records. All patients signed written informed consent. One male and three females donated their left kidneys by using the LLDN technique. The mean age was 58 ± 9 years; two of them with a history of previous cholecystectomy. All donated kidneys had a single renal artery and renal vein. Pre-operative average eGFR was 94.2 ± 7.1 ml/min/1.73 m2, immediately after LLDN 57.5 ± 10.3 ml/min/1.73 m2, after one month 56.0 ± 9.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. There were no intraoperative complications; surgery duration was 223.75 ± 21.74 min, the cold ischemia time was 77.5 ± 28.77 min, and the warm ischemia time 6.37 ± 3.14 min. There was one postoperative donor complication, one case of acute kidney injury, and one case of prolonged postoperative abdominal pain. The only recipient complication was one case of acute kidney rejection; there were no cases of delayed graft function. Our initial experience confirms that LLDN is an approach that is easy to learn, especially in a high-volume university hospital with expertise in performing laparoscopic nephrectomies for other indications.

The analysis of contexts of coping with stress, experienced by social welfare professionals: experience of Lithuania and Scandinavian countries


 The article deals with stress and coping with the stress experienced by social welfare professionals in different social and cultural context. The comparison of inter-professional stressogenity shows that the greatest stress is experienced by the representatives of social sphere professions. The main aim of the article is to disclose the contexts of possibilities for coping with stress experienced by social welfare professionals in Lithuania and Scandinavian countries. Specialists’ (N=12) experience was analysed employing the qualitative data collection method (semi-structured written interview), using open-ended questions according to assessment areas foreseen by the researchers. Reconstructing the context of coping with stress experienced by specialists of social welfare professions of these countries, certain differences showed up: Lithuanian social welfare professionals use the most affordable ways for stress coping in the intrapersonal (physical and emotional) area. Due to a more favourable socio-economic situation in the country, Scandinavian informants have a wider range of stress management possibilities in terms of affordability, content and choice.

References to the First World War in Lithuanian Memoirs and Publications during the Interwar Period: ‘And Lithuania moaned under the iron fist of the invaders’

Personal testimonies of the Great War, revealed in memoirs, diaries and publications byLithuanians, have already been used by historians seeking clarification of the reflection of themilitary experience in Lithuania. This article shows that a significant part of these testimoniesappeared in the interwar period due to the intentional collection and publication of materialon military history, and their publication was often not random, but also had a political aspect.Moreover, the article complements earlier knowledge of the fact that the Great War was referredto not only when mentioning the German occupation. The many references to the GreatWar in the writings of Lithuanian intellectuals, and in the writings and speeches of politiciansin the interwar period, had much more varied reasons. KEY WORDS: First World War, German occupation, military history, war experiences, memories,publications.

Assessment model of levels for winter road maintenance

The limited funding for the road industry leads to economizing in the planning of road network maintenance, to identifying the appropriate priorities of the activities with the greatest benefit for the society. The level of maintenance is the direct assessment of the road operation and maintenance service provided to the road users; it directly affects the road maintenance and for road users costs the better is road maintenance, the road users incur the fewerexpenses and vice versa. Insufficient road maintenance in the winter time causes not only the danger of traffic accidents but also worsens the driving conditions, increases the fuel consumption, vehicle depreciation, transportation becomes more expensive. Many results of studies showed that the current choice of maintenance levels in the winter time taking into account only the road category and traffic volume does not ensure the indicators of the most advanced world countries and road functional purpose. The principle of the minimal expenses for the society should be the main criterion in identifying the optimal levels of winter road maintenance. The experience of Lithuania and foreign countries helped in creating the model of assessment of winter maintenance levels for Lithuanian roads of national significance, which can be applied in the other foreign countries as well. This model could be an effective tool for the selection of the optimal maintenance levels, which would economically substantiate the winter road maintenance strategy, that best corresponds to the needs of the society.

Characteristics and outcomes of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding: a single-centre experience in Lithuania.

IntroductionDespite the optimal use of combined endoscopic haemostasis and pharmacologic control of acid secretion in the stomach, mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) has remained constant. Recent data has shown that the majority of patients with PUB die of non-bleeding-related causes.AimTo provide an overview of our experience of PUB management, with emphasis on the effect of age, gender, comorbidities, and drug use on the characteristics and outcomes of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients admitted with the primary diagnosis of acute, chronic or unspecified gastric and/or duodenal ulcer with haemorrhage during 2008–2012.ResultsTwo hundred and nineteen patients were identified. 46.6% of patients were ≥ 65 years old (elderly) and 53.4% were < 65 years old (young). The young patients were more likely to have duodenal ulcers and liver failure at admission. Previous use of medications was more regularly observed in gastric ulcer patients than in duodenal ulcer patients. Rebleeding occurred in 43 (19.6%) patients and death in 5 (2.3%) patients. Increased risk of mortality in our patients was associated with age ≥ 65 years (RR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.90–2.56; p = 0.021).ConclusionsManagement of peptic ulcer bleeding should aim at reducing the risk of multiorgan failure and cardiopulmonary death instead of focusing merely on successful haemostasis.

The Link between Past and Present: Bicycle and Pedestrian Underslung Girder Bridge over the river Neman in Lithuania/Die Verbindung von Vergangenheit und Gegenwart: eine unterspannte Fahrrad- und Fußgängerbrücke über die Memel in Litauen

This paper presents a recent experience in Lithuania, concerning a bridge characterized by a particular typology, considerably long mid-span and the preservation of the ancient abutments. The advantages of the selected bridge layout are described using the example of the bicycle pedestrian bridge spanning river Neman in Alytus, focusing on the general conception, static calculation and design as well as construction. The underslung girder bridge passes through a nationally important recreation landscape and was required to be designed and constructed with a particular regard to the natural environment as well as historical background.

Assistance to Children Exposed to Domestic Violance: Situation in Lithuania

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The purpose of the study is to assess the organisation of assistance for children after domestic violence experience in Lithuania&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;. The methods of scientific literature, analysis of strategic document and legal acts, synthesis and generalisation were used. The main findings:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Children in Lithuanian mostly experience physical aggression, but in recent year’s case of psychological violence are becoming more and more frequent. Increase of psychological violence against children allows to believe that specialists of Child‘s Rights Protection divisions as well as other specialists more actively and successfully identify the children that experience psychological violence and manifestations of such violence and apply corresponding measures. The legal framework for prevention of violence against the child is and the child‘s health care has been created. In cases of violence against children support to the victim and his/her family is provided and coordinated systematically by specialists of various fields and institutions, according to the needs of the victim. The complex support required by the children after experienced violence and their families (psychological, social, legal and psychiatric) is basically provided by non-governmental organizations the most of which are located in the major cities. In more remote places for the suffered children and their families it is really confusing to get support, especially the lasting one&lt;/em&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Ethnic Culture in Processes of Socialisation: Experience of Lithuania

The article focuses on topical issues and problems encountered while developing ethnic culture in Lithuania in accordance with the Law on the Principles of State Protection of Ethnic Culture and the Law on Products of the National Heritage adopted by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. The possibilities of ethnic culture to develop national self-awareness and citizenship are analysed. The theoretical assumptions how these activities may contribute to primary and secondary socialisation of children and youth, enhancement of family and community relations, are highlighted.

Transformation of Lithuania and Ukraine regional policy

After analyzing the transformations in Lithuanian and Ukrainian economy, the integrated regional policies effect to regional differences development evaluation methodology was prepared, which is designed to link regional developments with regional policies. The purpose of the article is to present a common Lithuanian – Ukrainian assessment methodology developed in the scientific study, which ensures the objectivity and applicability to solve regional development issues. Summarizing the variety of development level indicators in the scientific literature and experience of Lithuania and Ukraine, four main groups of indicators are identified in this paper that accurately describe the socio - economic situation: demographic, social and economic development and labor market, assessed region's transportation systems and social and tourism availability, compared public infrastructure and services development indicators. Analysis of scientific literature, Lithuanian and Ukrainian experience, statistical data analysis, and expert evaluations carried out in both countries created a joint region competitiveness evaluation system. Performed evaluation of expert opinion consensus enabled to select the indicators of region's development level evaluation and their combinations, which are necessary to carry out inter-regional comparisons. The article also contains structure graph, dedicated to indicate the consistency in the execution of the evaluation process and opportunities of use of research data analysis methods to implemented regional policies development impact to region development deficiencies calculation. The findings of the article show that the effects of implemented measures of regional policy can be evaluated only in a few years by adding investment in business, human resources, infrastructure development, but it must be done periodically to monitor regional social - economic development processes and the effectiveness of regional policy changes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.25.3.6187

The Impact of Urban Planning on the Development of Territorial Land Resources: Experience in Lithuania

This paper describes the planning situation in Lithuania after regaining the independence. All processes that have influence on planning process nowadays are the result of the evolution of legal basis, land restitution and economics conditions. Nowadays in Lithuania the planning process challenges many obstacles that are connected with private ownership, land restitution, land acquisition, as well as urban policy. The results of new urbanization are reviewed according to the following three aspects: economic, social and environmental ones. The paper discusses such rising problems as extensive suburbanization, random planning composition, as well as devoting special attention to organizational problems.

GAMTAMOKSLINIO UGDYMO ISTORIJA: AKTUALUMO ASPEKTAS

In the latter years education in Lithuania has been analysed in various aspects. However, it is obvious that almost all research works are focused on analysis of nowadays problems, sometimes not escaping certain prognostic elements (future education insight). This is certainly a good thing. However, concentrating attention only to present, the experience is forgotten which Lithuanian teachers, researchers accumulated earlier. It can be safely stated, that natural education experience in Lithuania is abundant, however very poorly investigated. Since 1995 only a few reports devoted to natural science education history questions have been presented in annually held national practical conferences „Natural Science Education at a General School“. Over that period totally 442 articles on various natural science education questions were published. Only 8 articles (1, 8 %) deal with historical natural science education aspects. Comprehensive school natural science teachers could devote more attention to these questions as well. Quite a big help could provide history teachers. As it is known, many comprehensive schools have ethnographical or school history museums. It is probable, that valuable material on natural science education history might be found in these museums. Such material must be systematized and publicized. Pupils might be included into such an activity applying project or other activity forms. Experience about natural science subject teaching / learning at different levels and types accumulated over a long period of time in Lithuanian educational institutions should be systematized, stored, analysed. It is without doubt, that this experience is unique, because Lithuanian education system was influenced by various didactic trends. Finally, over the last two decades various “imported” ideas and experiences have been admired too much forgetting at the same time about the own one. After all, the ideas which were checked over a long period of time and remained, practical experience, teaching / learning approaches and technologies become didactics classic.

Investment Decisions in Global Financial Markets: the Experience of Lithuania

The objective of this article is to identify the content of globalization processes in financial markets. The universal method of investment is offered in order to save the interests of investors – to expand the geography of investment, not leaving without attention innovative activities. This method has become global in financial market segment and thus strengthening the financial system's ability to contribute significantly to the globalization, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of education. Findings present sustainable return on investment possibilities. The analysed indicator is expected investment value, measured with a certain size of return and composition of reliability maximization.

Sustainable consumption and production as a system: experience in Lithuania

Activities in the area of sustainable consumption and production in Lithuania started in 1993 when the first cleaner production projects were implemented. The capacity in the area of cleaner production enabled further development and implementation of preventive environmental initiatives. Cleaner production activities have been followed by establishment of a system for development, financing and implementation of preventive innovations, implementation of environmental management systems (including development of new approaches for implementation, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises), product-oriented measures such as life cycle assessment, eco-design, and sustainability reporting. A very important role in building the basic capacity level and implementing the sustainable consumption and production initiatives in Lithuania has been played by the Institute of Environmental Engineering (APINI) at Kaunas University of Technology. This article presents an overview of activities in the area of sustainable consumption and production in Lithuania since 1992 as well as results/lessons learnt from these activities. To overcome barriers and to ensure progress in the area of sustainable consumption and production, a model of a system of sustainable consumption and production has been developed. The objective of the system is to minimise energy and material use as well as waste output, and to eliminate the “rebound” effect.

TARPTAUTINĖS KNYGOTYROS KONFERENCIJOS MOKSLO KOMUNIKACIJOS POŽIŪRIU

The article focuses on the experience of Lithuania in international bibliological conferences organized by the Department of Book Science at the Faculty of Communication of Vilnius University in the light of research and knowledge. The analysis of geographical and thematic coverage as well as of organizational issues shows that these conferences have their specific characteristics and can be treated as a phenomenon of scientific and social communication.