System In Latvia Research Articles

Narratives of social orphans in Latvia: Using a life history methodology to listen to the voices of care leavers

This study investigated social orphans through narratives of young people with experiences of growing up in institutional care in Latvia. The study uses the life histories of participants to explore the phenomenon of social orphans. To date, narratives about the lived experiences of social orphans in Latvia have been told in the third person, as most studies have used methodologies that kept participants passive rather than active. The research process in this study recorded 19 care leavers’ life experiences in detail and covered three main life phases: 1) Prior to living in care; 2) Living in care; 3) Life after care. A thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Participants’ experiences revealed some commonalities: factors that preceded children entering care, occurrences from care and life trajectories post-care. The findings also supported a deconstruction of stereotypes and dominant assumptions about orphanage care. They provide alternative narratives to what it means to grow up as a social orphan in Latvia. Notable were the strategies of self-reliance and resistance to adversity, as well as a preference for group care and a summation of what care leavers would like from professionals during care. Finally, recommendations for policy and practice are introduced; these emerged from the study findings and the positioning of the participants as ‘knowledgeable of their experience’. This rich knowledge base can be used to support and inform the practice of children moving through the institutional care system in Latvia as well as in other contexts.

Working Together to Create Meaning: Narratives of Care Leavers in Eastern Europe

Abstract This article uses life history research to reveal a new understanding of institutional care. The study draws on interviews with care leavers from a Latvian orphanage who narrate life histories and identify critical life events and moments of resistance to times of adversity. The methodology intentionally positioned study nineteen care leavers as experts on their own experiences, focusing on three main life phases: before, during and after living in care. Findings deconstructed and brought nuance to stereotypes and dominant assumptions about people growing up in care, providing alternative narratives of self-reliance and resistance to adversity. Recommendations for practice and policy are discussed. This rich knowledge base can be used to support and inform the practice of children in the care system in Latvia and more widely.

Solar district heating system in Latvia: A case study

The ever growth of urban population has caused the increase of energy demand. This situation challenges the global public to find a way to produce energy in a secure, environmentally friendly, flexible, renewable and sustainable energy transformation system. One of the most promising technologies that can over-come most of the challenges is the district energy network. This paper focuses on best practice project in Latvia – fully renewable district heating system assisted by solar collector system with thermal storage tank and woodchip boilers. The article demonstrates solar impact to district heating system (DHS) in the framework of the current situation of DHS in Latvia by creating simulation in TRNSYS and validation with real system operation data. Real operational data show that the heat produced by solar collector system with thermal energy storage (TES) per year will cover up to 20% (10933,2 MWh) of the heating demand in under local climate conditions. The TRNSYS simulations concluded that the contribution of this type of solar system integrated into the DHS could be increased up to 50%, if the difference between consumption and heat produced by solar collectors were to be increased during the summer months, this could be achieved, for example, by increasing the solar collector field area.

Challenges for Latvian Apartment Building Management Companies Regarding with Performance of their Services on the Way to Maintain Sustainable Housing Fund

Abstract The legislation of the Republic of Latvia in the field of apartment building management are not enough effective both for apartment owners and apartment building management companies due to complicated decision-making procedure, which slows down the management process, and as consequences are clients‘ unsatisfaction with apartment management service. Within this research authors studied theoretical aspects of service quality, studied apartment building management system in Latvia and compared it with Finland. Finland was chosen due it is located geographically close to Latvia, and Latvia is closer to the Scandinavian culture and lifestyle. Authors made survey of apartment building owners and made interview with expert to find out the current problems of apartment building management services. A monographic and descriptive method was used to analyze the theoretical aspects of service quality, secondary data analysis and expert interview were used to describe the situation of industry of apartment building management services, but quantitative research method such as survey of the clients of the apartment building owners, in connection with the comparative, analytical, deductive, logical approach method was used in this research.

PERSPECTIVES OF DEVELOPING DIGITAL EDUCATION IN MILITARY INSTITUTIONS

Digital education and education transformation perspectives have particularly become the topics of interest and research during Covid-19 pandemic in all law enforcement institutions. Experience gained by overcoming weaknesses in e-learning and best practices identified need to be summarised and shared in order to strengthen existing border guards e-learning systems as well as timely prepare infrastructure and trainers for unexpected challenges and future education trends. The article outlines research results on the analysis of the current trends in digital learning in context of e-learning in the State Border Guard as a part of military education system in Latvia. Article includes research of main problems, risks and concerns regarding digital education in general as well as well as potential opportunities and recommendations for further development of e-learning for the Border Guard and the military. Existing problematic areas have been identified by historic research method, particularly from Covid-19 pandemic distance learning experience. Future perspectives in developing border guard’s digital education capacity and potential have been defined based on analysis of scientific literature, empirical observations based on experience lecturing within military education environment.

Analysis of Experimental Data from Household Off-Grid System in Latvia

Abstract Autonomous off-grid systems might be seen as a favourable option when it comes to high grid connection fees and for a sustainable electric system in transition to a low-carbon, renewable-based decentralized system. To ensure such a system, accurate analysis of different scenarios is required to determine the optimal energy source mix and sizing of the off-grid system. Software computing techniques or mathematical models can help solve this task, but, unfortunately, it is unpredictable how actually such systems will perform in real life. There are not so many publications, where the real data and off-grid systems are analysed and compared to simulation results. Thus, this paper examines an experimental stand-alone electrical off-grid solution in Latvia. The operational data of real autonomous off-grid system are obtained for the off-grid system performance and control strategy analysis, which is highly relevant for the planning and dimensioning of affordable renewable off-grid systems.

ENERGY AUDIT INFORMATION SYSTEM

The opportunities provided by energy audits to improve the competitiveness of companies by reducing energy consumption and introducing energy-efficient solutions also allow for achieving the environmental goals set by the European Union and Latvia in relation to climate neutrality. It is important to consider the results of energy audits in the development of both local and regional and national policies, thus setting more precise results to be achieved. At present, there is no unified energy audit development information system in Latvia, in which all audit stages and calculations could be performed; this would reduce clerical and calculation errors and allow data to be predicted and used in policy development, research. Within the framework of the work, the authors researched the concept of energy audit, its process and the results to be achieved by companies by implementing energy efficient measures, as well as the policy goals of the European Union and Latvia in environmental improvement programs. The paper summarizes and analyses the programs and methods available in Latvia, which are used to develop energy audits of companies, as well as the practices of other countries and their results.The research goal is to develop the specification of the energy audit information system, based on the analysis of the used energy audit information systems. Based on the findings, the authors developed a specification of the program's energy audit information system requirements, which is suitable for the Latvian market.

Spatial analyses of smart energy system implementation through system dynamics and GIS modelling. Wind power case study in Latvia

Major concern in utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, is their intermittent nature. Therefore, whether they can be reliable energy sources to provide uninterrupted energy demand when reaching a high share of renewable energy in the system depends on the whole energy supply network. Higher flexibility of RES-based systems can be reached through the development of smart energy concepts.The system dynamics model coupled with a geographical information system platform has been used to analyse space and time dimensions of RES potential using geo-referenced information. This approach allows analysing the whole energy system by determining the best-suited development scenario for each region separately, based on their resource, economic, and technological capabilities. Furthermore, the system dynamics model is complemented with different policies to evaluate their impact on renewable and local energy resource development and economic potential. The results show that the potential for large-scale onshore wind farm capacities with suitable land conditions could be around 5.5 GW, but the forecasted necessary wind power capacity to reach climate neutrality in 2050 is 1.55 GW. Therefore, onshore wind turbines should be promoted to move toward a smart and renewable power system in Latvia.

Involvement in the Democratic Life in Europe: A Study on Views and Vision of Youth in Latvia

Abstract Currently, the educational system in Latvia is undergoing a transition from a traditional to a competence-based curriculum where civic education plays an important place in pupils’ holistic development. In the context of strengthening civic education, it is important to gain experience in practising citizenship in order to promote the active participation and co-responsibility of young people in social and political processes in the country and beyond. The study focuses on the factors that influence the formation of young Latvian people’s civic identity and the role of formal education and their teachers in this process in a broader sustainability context. The article reflects the results of a study about Latvian youngsters’ involvement in political activities, their attitude and interest about political events in Latvia and the European Union.

CHANGING APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN LATVIA: KEY DRIVERS

The problem of the research is to investigate the rising demand in the update of the higher education system in Latvia, existing prerequisites, and key factors of its further development. The interest of the research is determined by the need of modern society to support higher education in an order to ensure the competitiveness of human resources. The purpose of the research is to determine key factors of higher education development in Latvia, existing prerequisites, implications, and challenges, also fostered by COVID-19 pandemic impact. The research methods include analysis of scientific abstracts, legislation acts, and industry and public bodies’ reports, analysis of statistical data, and a survey. The research results have shown - complex solutions are needed to increase the international competitiveness of the educational sector in Latvia.

PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AS SAFEGUARDS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL HERITAGE IN NATURA 2000

INTRODUCTION
 Of all Natura 2000 sites that form the basis of the national nature conservation system in Latvia, 43% are owned privately. Therefore, the owners and managers of private lands are strategically important stakeholders, and the achievement of nature conservation goals depends to a large extent on their motivation, environmental awareness, and involvement. The forest is an important and indispensable custodian of natural values, but natural and semi-natural grasslands are recognised globally for their high biodiversity, social and cultural values and provided ecosystem services. The aim of the research is to obtain data on how private land owners and managers treat natural values and their conservation not only in Natura 2000 areas, but also outside them. This decision was made because a large part of grasslands and forest micro-reserves are also located outside Natura 2000.
 METHODS
 To collect data on private landowners’ opinions about their motivation for being involved in nature conservation, the value of nature among other values and existing compensating mechanisms for unearned economic value, both online (ArcGIS123) and paper (in seminars organised by Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre) questionnaires were used to reach a representative sample of respondents. Data were collected between July and December 2021. Altogether, 604 forest landowners and 442 grassland landowners’ responses were used for further analysis.
 RESULTS
 Research shows that 42% of all respondents have lands in specially protected areas – Natura 2000, national parks, biosphere reserves and micro-reserves. 39% of forest landowners know what actions should be taken to preserve these natural values in their forests, but only 29% consider that before carrying out economic activities in the forest, its owner should ascertain the specially protected natural values found in the forest. Only 19% of forest owners, with restrictions on economic activities in order to meet nature conservation objectives, have received compensation, of which less than half (48%) were satisfied with the amount of financial support. 3% applied, but did not receive financial support, because their forest was too small.
 The continuity of nature-friendly perennial grassland management will be ensured, with 93% of landowners showing rather high motivation for this. Of all respondents, 78% consider that grasslands provide wild plant diversity; improve the quality of the landscape while preserving the traditional rural landscape - 87%; provide a place for the continuation of cultural traditions, annual rituals - 57%; and provide business opportunities - 47%. Although 41% think that other land uses are more profitable, 29% admit that they have a lack of knowledge about grassland management.
 DISCUSSION
 Forest owners are less motivated than natural grassland owners regarding nature conservation activities, as the price of the economic value of the forest is likely to far exceed the number of compensatory mechanisms. Integrated solutions for ensuring nature protection on private land must continue to be sought. The opinions of the respondents will provide an opportunity to create a clear and reasonable motivation system for private landowners, which balances the interests of conservation of natural values and economic development, is understandable to everyone and will serve not only this, but also future generations.

CONTRIBUTION OF PRIVATE LANDS TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION OF LATVIA. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

INTRODUCTION
 A significant amount of biodiversity occurs on private lands of Latvia. About 88% of grassland habitats and 19% of forest habitats of EU importance are located on private properties. Most of the biodiversity values are located outside the Natura 2000 network and other types of protected areas. In order to reach biodiversity conservation goals of the European Union and Latvia, it is important to integrate private lands into nature conservation strategies as well. There are different mechanisms in Latvia available for biodiversity conservation on private land: protected nature territories; micro-reserves; general legal requirements of nature protection; support payments under the Rural Development Programme; tax exemptions for landowners in protected areas, and others. Economic restrictions related to biodiversity conservation measures also tend to create tension in society and cause socio-economic conflicts that might influence the success of reaching biodiversity goals.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 In order to explore private landowners’ attitudes towards biodiversity conservation measures on their land, a literature review was carried out including the analysis of research articles, reports of projects, reports of landowner surveys, and others. Only studies from Baltic Sea region countries were reviewed, selecting 18 articles and reports analysing factors influencing landowners’ attitudes towards biodiversity conservation on private lands. Identified factors and conservation approaches in other countries were analysed in the context of nature conservation system of Latvia, discussing the possible improvements of existing conservation strategies.
 RESULTS
 Private landowners are a very heterogeneous community, with various attitudes towards biodiversity conservation measures. There are many factors influencing landowners’ attitudes regarding biodiversity conservation on private lands, e.g., property size, field of education and education level, general conservation values of the landowner, income proportion from land management, and others. In general, landowners of Latvia support biodiversity conservation measures on private land; however, they are concerned about possible related restrictions on economic activity and the respecting of their rights to own property. Landowners highlight the importance of effective compensation mechanisms, respectful communication with environmental institutions, and landowners’ participation in conservation related decision-making.
 DISCUSSION
 In the process of searching for improvements of biodiversity conservation strategies, it is important to take into account the needs and concerns of private landowners. According to analysis, there is a potential and demand for voluntary biodiversity conservation mechanisms in Latvia, which could complement the existing (regulatory) biodiversity conservation strategies. Significant proportion of landowners would be ready to take an active part in the biodiversity conservation process if an effective support system (consultative and financial) were provided.

Belarusian education in General District Latvia (1941–1945)

The article deals with the Belarusian school system in Latvia under German occupation. Belarusians were one of the most numerous minorities in that country, both in the inter-war period and during World War Two. In German-occupied Latvia, Belarusian nationality was declared by more than 50,000 people. For political reasons, the occupation authorities allowed Belarusian schools to operate in areas with significant Belarusian population. As a result, thirty-five primary schools, two middle schools, and one secondary agricultural school, employing about a hundred teachers in total, were opened. These schools were attended by a few thousand pupils, the majority of which were children of petty and landless peasants. The Belarusian school system struggled because of numerous material issues.

Road Design And Construction On Low Bearing Capacity Soils Using Piling Method: Experience Of SLLC “Latvian State Roads”

The road system in Latvia has evolved over time to a complex network of physical structures that include roads, bridges and overpasses, however, in large it consists of narrow roads of local significance that follow the existing topography and consist of thin foundation and pavement layers. In-depth geotechnical research of road sections before construction has only been carried out in recent decades, thereby with a certain regularity SLLC “Latvian State Roads” has to deal with low bearing capacity soils under the road foundation. As the recent experience shows, there are sections of roads that in the past were constructed on peat. In 2018 during the reconstruction works of the regional road P32 Augšlīgatne – Skrīveri a low bearing capacity soil under the road foundation was determined. An additional in-depth geotechnical research showed a bog section with a peat layer at a depth of 10m in a 320 metres long section. Although at that point it was possible to continue the work using simple soil stabilization methods, there were concerns about the longevity of the investment. To stabilize the road foundation, a combination of gravel columns and unreinforced concrete pile columns was used. A total of 952 columns were constructed. The aim of this paper is to share technical information and our good practice of road design and construction on low bearing capacity soils using piling method, and it gives a summary of field observations, geotechnical research, design considerations and risk management assessments that were carried out in this specific case. The positive outcome of this case led to a number of future projects where similar methods for load bearing capacity improvement were planned and used.

Starpkulturālās komunikācijas nozīme visaptverošas valsts aizsardzības sistēmas veidošanā

The implementation of the comprehensive national defense system in Latvia marks a new turning point in the relationship between the state and society – instead of being consumers of the security and defense provided by the state, every inhabitant of Latvia must become an active contributor to the natio-nal defense system. Thus, the society’s willingness to defend the state becomes an essential element in the successful implementation of the comprehensive state defense system. This article analyzes the different views of Latvian and Russian-speaking population on issues that affect the willingness to defend the state, as well as evaluates the role of intercultural communication for informing public and increasing the involvement in the comprehensive national defense system.

CAREER MYTHS FROM STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS PERSPECTIVE

Drastic and structural changes in the labour market and organizational environment related to the Covid-19 pandemic, rapid technological development, general globalization trends, demographic deterioration and other economic changes signal the need to find new approaches to the classical career management paradigm. Several studies on occupational segregation show that various stereotypes and misconceptions affecting the choice of occupations for young people are still relevant, but changes in the working environment also determine changes in this context. The European Social Fund project “Career Support in General and Vocational Education Institutions” has made huge contributions to the improvement of the career guidance system in Latvia since 2016, developing and approbating career development support action plans, along with informative and methodological materials, as well as educating career counsellors and support specialists, thereby updating their approaches to career guidance and management. This study analysed the views of students and educational staff about current beliefs and stereotypes about career choices and management. Data from the 96 specialists and managers surveyed from different educational institutions reveal that educators have a strong belief in the importance of career stability. A majority believe that career choice is not always a guided process, although most support the involvement of career professionals. The importance of prestigious education and hard work, as well as success in one’s career, is emphasized. The 10th through 12th grade students were surveyed in 2019–2020 in Daugavpils, Dobele, Ogre and Riga general educational schools. In the opinions of these pupils, there is evidence of various stereotypes regarding the choice of profession, as well as the correspondence of career beliefs and convictions within the dynamics of modern working life.

NEW PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR'S STUDY PROGRAMME “SPECIAL EDUCATION” AT REZEKNE ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGIES

Implementation of the ESF project “Reduction of Fragmentation of Study Programmes and Strengthening of Resource Sharing by Developing and Licensing the Bachelor's Study Programme “Special Education” and Accrediting the Study Direction “Education, Pedagogy and Sport” (No. 8.2.1.0/18/1/003) has started in September 2019. The aim of the project: in cooperation with University of Latvia (LU), Daugavpils University (DU), Liepaja University (LiepU), to develop and license the study programme "Special Education" and accredit the study direction "Education, Pedagogy and Sport" that includes the developed study programme in order to reduce the fragmentation of study programmes in Latvia’s higher education institutions and strengthen the sharing of resources. In order to achieve the aim, a working group of experts - delegates of four higher education institutions (Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA), DU, LU, LiepU) – has been set up. In cooperation with the expert of special education implementation issues in Latvia and the EU and the expert of study programme development issues, the group mutually exchanges experience on development and implementation of special education study programmes and gets acquainted with the competence approach and the experience of competent foreign universities in the field of inclusive education implementation and training of special education teachers. The working group works on developing, licensing and approbating the Bachelor's study programme "Special Education" that is going to correspond to the needs of the education system in Latvia and the principles of sustainable planning.

Voluntary Private Investments Role in Pension System in Latvia

Pension systems have become one of the main priorities for the national governments. Developed countries population is getting older by putting the pressure on the state budgets and work age people tax load. The current pension system in Latvia performs according to regulation of state compulsory unfunded pension scheme since 1996 and regulation of the state funded or accumulated pension scheme since 2001. The third pension system pillar is private voluntary pension schemes realized in form of people contributions into pension funds and life insurance policies. Aim of the research – deeper analyses of voluntary private investments as the pension system part and its development challenges in Latvia. Research methods: scientific publications and previous conducted research analysis; analysis of time series on private pension fund developments in Latvia and comparisons with the situation in other OECD countries. The authors were looking for answer on the question – can voluntary private investments cover the gap between pre-retirement and after-retirement income of population in Latvia and what are the pre-conditions for it.

Life Cycle Assessment-Based Approach to Forecast the Response of Waste Management Policy Targets to the Environment

Abstract Inadequate municipal waste management, associated with a dominance of waste landfilling and low efficiency of resource and energy recovery, is the major challenge towards circular economy targets for some European Union countries, including Latvia. The aim of the study is to evaluate environmental performance from implementation of waste management policy goals in waste management systems of Latvia applying life cycle assessment methodology. The waste management system in Latvia was evaluated for two scenarios: baseline situation (based on statistical data from 2016) and future scenario – 2030. Baseline scenario assessment results show the existing material and energy recovery potential from municipal solid waste generated in Latvia. Meanwhile, results obtained from the 2030 scenario demonstrated that boosting recovery rates of plastic by 20 % and organic waste by 20 % can contribute to the minimization of life cycle environmental impacts (human health, resources, climate change, ecosystems) by 1.8 % and organic by 3.6 % correspondingly.

DIGITALIZATION FOR INCREASED ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES: CASE OF LATVIA

. The aim of the present study is to consider a range of problems that are to be solved during the implementation of the projects aimed at increasing the access to healthcare and based on the achievements of the new technological order on the example of Latvia, primarily the e-health project. Since January1, 2018, the use of the e-health system in Latvia is mandatory, but so far only the “Digital Prescription (e-prescription)” project has been functioning at full capacity. The experience with the introduction and the use of digital medicine in Latvia indicates a large range of problems faced by state institutions and local self-government institutions, medical establishments, medical personnel and patients. A systematic vision of the problems of implementing digital medicine requires a necessity, at least, of taking into account and solving seven relatively independent tasks: technical and technological, economic, legal, organizational, managerial, social, psychological, and cultural ones. In terms of systemic vision, the assessment of these aspects of the e-health programme implementation is presented by means of an extensive use of data retrieved from international organizations, Latvian state statistics, scientific research studies, including the ones carried out by the authors. The main conclusion of the study is the need for the theory and the practice of the increasing access to healthcare based on digital medicine, taking into account a more complete variety of factors that stimulate and constrain this process, and involving specialists from the sphere of social sciences. The importance of the problem has significantly increased amid COVID-19 crisis. So far, there are no relevant statistics on the availability of medical services during the pandemic, but individual assessments and recommendations of specialists indicate the need for a speedy and coordinated global promotion of e-health. The example of Latvia demonstrates that there are significant barriers to e-health. An accelerated decision process regarding the given issue is not always related to the economic resources of the country. Our studies show the importance of solving institutional problems, ensuring the better mainstreaming of psychological, socio-cultural and social factors. In our opinion, the upcoming project by the Latvian researchers “Latvia. Human Development Report” should be devoted to the most topical issue of e-health. While working on this project, it would be crucial to use the experience of specialists from other countries where similar studies have been conducted (Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, etc.) and experience of international cooperation in the framework of other social projects has already been accumulated.