bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAXONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIVERSITY OF LOCAL LABOUR MARKETS IN POLAND
Authors: Rollnik-Sadowska Ewa , Jarocka Marta , Glińska Ewa
Published: May 2018

The situation in the labour market is conditioned by many factors that often have a local dimension. Identification of different levels of development of labour demand as well as potential of labour supply on the local level is a crucial element of diagnosis of reasons for regional and local diversity and implementation of an appropriate labour market policy. As there is available a variety of indicators describing regional labour relations, there is a need to create synthetic measure to include different aspects of the labour market situation. The aim of the paper is identification of the diversity of the situation in the local labour markets of all 16 Polish voivodeships. At the first step, a synthetic measure including eight variables was created. At the second stage 16 Polish voivodeships were clustered following Ward’s and k-means methods. As the authors assume that the position of voivodeship labour markets is connected with the position of capital cities, the analysis was deepened by ranking voivodeship cities based on Hellwig’s method. As a result of conducted research and the classification of Polish voivodeships and their capital cities in the context of the situation in the labour market, there have been identified the reasons of regions’ positions and proposed recommendations for the labour market policy.
PHILOSOPHICAL INTERPRETATION OF SYMBOLISM OF ČIURLIONIS’ PAINTINGS
Authors: Bragina Natalia , Stepanov Vladislav
Published: May 2018

The art of M.-K. Čiurlionis is unique and at the same time emblematic of the culture of the art nouveau period. A deep connection of his art to Lithuanian folklore was combined with his fascination with European philosophical trends of the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries. The aim of this article is to identify the cross-cutting themes (leitmotifs) in the artist’s works and, with the help of this, to reveal the philosophical basis of his works. The methods of research are the study and analysis of both individual Čiurlionis’ paintings and his artistic production in general, as well as the analysis of the literature devoted to his works. As the result, two groups of leitmotifs were identified in the Čiurlionis’ paintings: a) figurative themes; and b) non-figurative themes (up to complete abstraction). Analysis of the meanings of these themes and of their influence on the content of the paintings shows that concrete figurative images (themes of kings, bird, hand, and castle) are associated with Lithuanian folklore. Semi-abstract and abstract images (chaos, glance, gesture, and beauty) reveal the connection between the art of Čiurlionis and European philosophy, from Plato's ideas to Nietzscheism and mystic-visionary movements of the early 20th century. Revealing the philosophical basis of his paintings makes it possible to simultaneously review the artist’s entire work in the context of culture of art nouveau, understand this culture more deeply, and thus get a better understanding of some important phenomena of our time.
PERSONALITY FEATURES OF CONVICTS WITH ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
Authors: Ganishina Irina , Aksenova Galina , Aksenova Polina
Published: May 2018

In the recent years the significant increase in number of convicts with addictive behavior is observed in correctional establishments of the Russian Federation. Addictive behavior is often caused by anomalies of the identity of convicts and is expressed in escape from reality by change of their mental state by means of use of narcotic and psychotropic substances, alcohol, game addiction, sexual addictions that is followed by intensive emotions development. Nowadays the modern society requires that correctional establishments of the penal system of Russia should become social clinics which are carrying out psychosocial rehabilitation of convicts with addictive behavior. The purpose of this research is studying psychological features of convicts with addictive behavior. The methods and techniques of the research are observation, conversation, analysis of personal records, expert poll, psycho-diagnostic testing (the test of addictive indicators of MGAA, K. Leonhard – H. Shmishek's test, L.N. Sobchik's technique "The individual and typological questionnaire", the LSI test of Kellerman-Plutchik-Konte), methods of mathematical statistics. It is defined that convicts with addictive behavior are conflictive, quick-tempered, insincere, show high levels on the scale of addictive indicators, have high indicators of exaltation, demonstrativeness and excitability. They have dominating conflict emotional states which are followed by high introversion and psychological protection as denial, rationalization, cognitive mapping. Such personal profile of convicts with addictive behavior testifies to the aggressive manner of self-affirmation contrary to the interests of people around, the increased suspiciousness and vigilance in the relations, high proneness to conflict. We consider that psychological features of convicts with addictive behavior are the indicator of success of their psychosocial rehabilitation.
THE ROLE OF HEALTH LITERACY IN PREDICTING PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH HEALTH CARE
Authors: Silkane Vineta , Davidsone Agnese , Veliverronena Linda
Published: May 2018

Patient satisfaction has become one of the central indicators to measure quality of provision of health care services. However, it has been made clear in previous literature that the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care services is not directly proportional to the satisfaction level, because an array of patient’s personal, psychological, and cognitive factors such as beliefs, expectations, knowledge and others may come into play. In this current article, we report on a study aiming to examine the role of health literacy in predicting patient satisfaction with health care in Latvia. In summer-autumn 2017, data were collected from a random sample of 451 participants (44 % male) in age from 18 to 81 years. The participants filled-in the questionnaire consisting of: Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-III, Ware, Snyder, Wright, 1976) and European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q, HLS-EU Consortium, 2012). We measured four out of the seven aspects of PSQ, namely, general satisfaction, technical quality, interpersonal aspects, and communication. HLS-EU-Q contains three subscales: health care, disease prevention, and health promotion. Study results confirm that one of the health literacy aspects - health care - was the most important predictor of all patient satisfaction aspects, while health promotion predicted technical quality.
INTERDISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION ON THE BASIS OF THE GEOMETRICAL CONSTITUENT OF THE NATURAL SCIENTIFIC PICTURE OF THE WORLD
Authors: Ermak Elena
Published: May 2018

Fragmentariness of the picture of the world in majority modern students is a significant obstacle in the development of their scientific worldview. The lack of integrity of the image of the universe is aggravated by the prevalence of the clip-on thinking among students, which prevents the students from fully acquiring fundamental classical education. The formation of an integral scientific picture of the world is necessary for the realization of an in-dependent productive research activity. In whatever field this activity is carried out, it is closely related to the creation of spatial representations and the mental manipulation of them in the process of solving various problems. Spatial representations are ordered in the mind of the learner on the basis of the geometric component of the natural science picture of the world. Integrated content courses such as "Introduction to the Modern Geometry of the Universe" while teaching of students should be combined with the implementation of the principle of interdisciplinary integration in the development of the educational program, carried out on the basis of the geometric component of the natural-science picture of the world.
COMPARISON OF LATVIAN QUALIFIED BASKETBALL AND HANDBALL PLAYERS PERFORMANCE
Authors: Pontaga Inese , Zidens Janis
Published: May 2018

The aim of our investigation was to compare qualified basketball and handball players’ anthropometric and performance (aerobic and anaerobic endurance, explosive power) characteristics. Male handball and basketball players from Premium league teams voluntary participated. The aerobic endurance was measured on a treadmill, the intensity of running increased step by step, the test was performed to exhaustion. The oxygen uptake, heart rate and running speed were measured.  The lactate concentration was detected in periphery blood samples by special strips in the end of every load step and after the test.  Maximal vertical jump heights of the counter-movement jump with hands on the hips and the free jump with motions of arms were measured on a special device.  The height of basketball players is higher in comparison with handball players (p=0.002), but the body weight and body mass index did not differed significantly (p0.05). The aerobic endurance characteristics (heart rate and oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold load intensity, and maximal oxygen uptake) were greater in basketball than in handball players (p0.04). The maximal lactate concentration in blood plasma two minutes after the test was higher in handball players than in basketball players (p=0.043). The vertical jump heights are the same in basketball and handball players (p0.05).
A SELECTION OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS CAN APPLY TO THEIR OWN LIFELONG LEARNING
Authors: Kusnere Ilga
Published: May 2018

A selection of methods and techniques professional teachers can apply to their own lifelong learning.Education is the key to converting knowledge and experience into practical actions, their analysis and application. It plays a key role in the synthesis of new knowledge into research and innovation. Such thoughts on education were expressed in the resolution of the sixth World Education Congress in 2011. Today, when world education forums are widely discussing how schools can better organise the learning process, when ambitious long-term reforms are being implemented in the Latvian education system—the transition to competency-based educational content and teaching methods—it is essential to assess current situation and to bring innovative methods and techniques to our teachers' own learning process. The new knowledge and experience teachers gain through lifelong learning, through their experience and the understanding of how to share it, can be presented and guided by such methods and techniques that enrich a teacher's emotional and intellectual function. My own research has confirmed my belief that for a teacher to be confident and capable enough to help her students discover the joy of learning and gain new knowledge through the process of education, that teacher must herself have the experience of active learning, insight, and personal growth through the learning process.The author has selected a number of methods and techniques for lifelong learning based on the methods and techniques developed by a number of education researchers (Kolb, 1984; Koķe, 1999; Stueck, 2010; Vedins, 2011; Ščurkova, 2016; Robinson, 2013; Amonašvili, 2017), and on her own experience of leading and developing a professional lifelong education programme for teachers. The model of teacher learning presented here has been used in practice since 2012 and has been well-received. Teachers can develop themselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually through the learning process and in doing so increase their professional value.Objective for the Study. To create a model for teaching professional teachers in the context of their own lifelong learning, to assemble a selection of methods and techniques for professional teachers’ lifelong learning, including several designed by the author, and to assess them.
THE PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF WOMEN AND MEN ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL
Authors: Zajęcka Beata
Published: May 2018

The article presents how women and men addicted to alcohol function in basic areas of social life as well as what their psychical condition generally is. The conclusions are based on the theoretical findings and quality surveys. The research shows the equality does not exist in alcoholism. The men, contrary to the women: become addicted quicker, drink more alcohol, suffer from more somatic complications, more serious social damages arise especially conflicts with the law. What is more, they die more often due to alcohol intoxication. However, socio-cultural conditions show the women are more stigmatized than the men, what results in receiving non-effective support. The features about being an alcoholic are variant in reference to sex, particularly the development of an addiction as well as experiencing the alcoholism and the alcoholism addiction treatment. The revealed differences between sexes should allow improvement in already existing therapeutic solutions, notably to adjust them more individually. It will improve the quality of life in sobriety, people who are addicted to alcohol.
RELATIONSHIPS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST RESULTS AND PLAYER PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN NATIONAL-LEVEL ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS
Authors: Stanula Arkadiusz Jarosław , Roczniok Robert Krzysztof , Gabrys Tomasz Tytus , Szmatlan-Gabrys Urszula Barbara , Ozimek Mariusz Jacek
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study is to identify the relationships of the results of the physiological and anthropometric tests and special on-ice fitness tests with individual player performance indicators during matches of the Poland men's national ice hockey team played during the U18 Ice Hockey World Championship. A total of 20 hockey players (forwards, n=12 and defensemen, n=8) of the Poland men's national ice hockey team were included in this study. All participants were performed a battery tests including maximal aerobic capacity, Wingate test, Repeated-Skate Sprint test and vertical jump test. Pearson correlations were used to examine any differences in all measures and +/– score. Only the fatigue index calculated from the repeated-skate sprint test was significantly correlated with absolute +/– score (r=0.47, p0.05). The result of the aerobic capacity test, expressed by means of the oxygen intake value (V̇O2max), despite being statistically insignificant, reached the value of r=0.42. The results of this study suggest that game performance as indicated by the +/– score can be predicted by the fatigue index calculated from the repeated-skate sprint test.
THE ASPECTS OF SHARED LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE
Authors: Skarbaliene Aelita , Skarbalius Egidijus
Published: May 2018

Leadership is overwhelming the thinking of contemporary society. A well-functioning organization is first identified with its leader very often. Therefore, it is very important to question the attitude of leadership constantly, not to devalue it, but to understand it better and realize it. Moreover, the expression of leadership in different organizations is very distinct, and its specificity in areas such as health care is still insufficiently explored. Healthcare organizations hold strict hierarchy, therefore leadership is considered as equal to the administrative position. Modern conceptualizations such as transactional, shared, authentic and other leadership theories point to the educational power of a leadership; however, implementation remains challenging. The article presents the analytical-theoretical point of view and interpretive approach for case study about leadership. Firstly, the article introduces research evidence analysis of leadership educational impact for integrated health care system. Secondly, the traditional discourse of leadership is challenged with analysis of complex adaptive systems theory. The case study research was conducted with the purpose to identify the images of leadership among nursing staff and to recognize the needs for leadership education in the healthcare system. Case study results reveal the great need for leadership education in general and for shared leadership in particular.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS A BASIS FOR PUBLIC TRUST IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN LATVIA
Authors: Mirlina Liga
Published: May 2018

Nowadays, many public administrations are facing the low level of public trust in state authorities. It is largely due to public dissatisfaction with the activities of public administration and beliefs that public administration does not serve to the public interest. Participation in decision-making processes is one of the ways to reduce public dissatisfaction and mistrust in public administration. In order to understand the importance of public participation in public administration processes, the aim of the paper is to study trends in the transformation of public administration and society at different stages of the development of the state reform in Latvia and its impact on public trust in public administration. The following methods have been used in the research study: analysis of normative documents, an expert survey with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government representatives, as well as analysis of statistics on the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the government and NGOs. An analysis of the normative documents adopted by the Latvian government shows that the legal framework provides for wide opportunities for NGO involvement in public administration. The statistical data and opinions of NGOs and public administration experts show that there are a variety of mechanisms for increasing NGOs participation. However, the opportunities for developed participation are not conducive to public trust in the public administration, since in most cases information about the opportunities and results of participation is not reachable to the general public. Thus, it is vitally important to create an optimal model of NGOs and public administration relations for the activation of Latvian society in order to reduce the low participation and public trust in public administration.
APPLICATION OF THE RASCH METHOD OF EVALUATING LATENT VARIABLES IN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Maslak Anatoly , Moiseev Sergey , Nasonova Tatiana
Published: May 2018

In the paper approaches of application of the theory of latent variables for the decision of some problems of management and management are offered. The peculiarity of this work is that mathematical solutions for solving problems are based on Rasch’s model for estimating latent variables.The aim of this paper is to describe a general approach to estimating latent variables using Rasch’s method, based on the method of least squares, and apply this approach to some management tasks. The tasks of applying the Rasch model to the method of organizing team, to evaluating alternatives in decision-making and to the formation of a portfolio of securities were solved.In the field of labour management, three models for organizing group tasks are considered: the formation of work teams, the case of individual performance of a group task, and the case of joint performance of group task jobs. In the field of decision theory, the model for choosing the best alternative is considered, including taking into account the weights of the criteria. We also considered the approach of obtaining estimates of alternatives using the hierarchy analysis method, in which the attractiveness vector of alternatives is computed on the basis of Rasch’s model of estimation of latent variables. In the field of financial management, a method of forming a portfolio of securities in the approach of the theory of latent variables is proposed. It is shown that, in comparison with traditional methods, the approach based on Rasch’s model has advantages: linearity of the obtained estimates, their independence and high accuracy.
ASPECTS OF LABOUR RIGHTS IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF TEACHERS
Authors: Grīnfelde Anda , Paula Līga , Vanaga Inga
Published: May 2018

The paper provides an insight in the results of the teachers’ survey on their labour rights, which was carried out by the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees in 2017. The aim of the research was to investigate, how teachers’ rights were protected in educational institutions. Two research questions were defined: 1) what problems teachers face in relation to their labour rights, and 2) what are possible solutions to improve the protection of labour rights at institutional, municipal and the state levels. The mixed method research design was used in the study: focus group discussion was organized with experts from institutions related to educational process and later quantitative survey of teachers was conducted via visidati.lv (n=2055). The results witness that great part of the respondents are not well educated about the labour rights or do not feel support when face violation of their rights. However, many respondents reported on well established practices in their schools as well as support from administration and municipalities.
MANAGEMENT OF COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HIGHER-EDUCATION TEACHING PERSONNEL
Authors: Barkalov Sergey , Kalinina Natalia , Nasonova Tatiana
Published: May 2018

The urgency of the work is determined by the need to develop new approaches to the assessment process and to increase the level of competence of the teaching staff of the institution, which is the most important factor of its competitiveness. The object of the study is the management system of the teaching staff of the higher education institution. The subject of the study are the models and methods of managing the level of competence of the faculty.Research objective is to increase the level of competence of the higher-education  teaching personnel.The methods of system analysis, mathematical programming, graph theory are used in the paper.
ACTUALITY OF TWINS UPBRINGING/SELF-UPBRINGING IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Authors: Dumbrauska Anita
Published: May 2018

In this research the culture history methodology approach has been used for the research of theoretical sources on upbringing/self-upbringing correlations. The objective and subjective factors influencing upbringing/self-upbringing characterizing the individual twins personality have been defined and given the analysis of the correlated components: temperament, attitudes, abilities, volition. The upbringing fosters self-upbringing, where volition and goal-directed action serve as the development opportunity for human abilities, while the twins  individuality  fostering techniques (undertaking of commitments, self-analysis, self-reporting, self-control, self-assessment) provide an opportunity to each child for self-upbringing, independent choice by herself/himself, autonomous action and the responsibility for the results of her/his own individual self-upbringing. The research drew the conclusions that  development and enhancement of each twin's freedom, autonomy and responsibility is fostered by  upbringing/ self-upbringing.  By scientific literature research, each twin's individuality upbringing criteria (independent choice, autonomy and responsibility) were studied, thus, providing opportunity for further research of the twin's  individuality upbringing dynamics in practice.
IDENTITY OF PROFESSIONAL GROUPS PROVIDING PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Purvlice Baiba , Mārtinsone Kristīne , Pipere Anita , Bortaščenoks Rolands
Published: May 2018

Providing high quality mental health services is one of the key objectives for national governments declared by WHO, where professional groups providing psychological help play an important role. Confusion among the professional groups in the field poses difficulties both for the professionals and service users. The paper aims to review the studies focused on the identity of professional groups providig psychological help with a special emphasis on used methodological approaches. In the first section of the paper concepts used in the relevant studies are discussed, proposing collective professional identity as the most appropriate theoretical idea to ground the future research in the given field. The second section of this paper analyses the methodological approaches applied in mentioned studies. Collective identity of professionals is conceived by the sholars in given field as a multidimensional concept  which is studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Thus far quantitative research methods are more common, but benefits of qualitative research in the future are also stressed. The results of literature review will serve as the theoretical background for studying professional groups providing psychological help in Latvia.
ESTABLISHING THE SET OF TASKS AS A WAY TO IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS OF ART AND DESIGN EDUCATION
Authors: Kucherovskaya Veronika , Momotova Liliia
Published: May 2018

The paper presents a study in the field of art and design education and focuses on looking for ways to improve the effectiveness of education through establishing a set of consistent professional tasks and identifying the interdisciplinary relationship. The paper outlines patterns of the design education process. The objective of the study is to analyse the interlinkages between abstract tasks, life drawings and graphics design exercises that demonstrate individual creativity of students.
DESIGN THINKING IN THE CONTEXT OF PEDAGOGY
Authors: Krumina Aira Aija
Published: May 2018

The concept of “design thinking” is thought to originate at late 60’s of the last century when the first books in this regard were published. Latest in 1987, Professor P. G. Rowe, (University of Harvard) describes design thinking as a process and a method which can be used in various disciplines, including in education. Thus the field of design and architecture began; nowadays design thinking has become an effective learning strategy. The method is based on not declining anything right off the bat but rather go in-depth, test, analyze, look at things multiple (at least two) times and look at them from different angles. It is believed that each of us has design thinking, we only need to activate it, “set it free”, and the faster we do it, the better; that is exactly why design thinking should be started at an early age, during school years, not only when in college or university.Design thinking as a thought process is one of the future skills which will be needed in 21st century’s wide variety of fields – design, economics, construction, architecture, engineering, technology and, of course, in education. Different sources of literature point out a different number of designs thinking stage (thinking “steps”) count: from three to seven or eight that can be represented both as a linear process and as a single complex system in which interconnection of stages/ steps is seen. In the study course of pedagogy students of different study programs and study courses (physiotherapists, audiologists, orthotics-prosthetists, nutrition specialists, social workers) tested and evaluated some of the basic principles of design thinking, such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, responsibility and interdisciplinary approach. Also students adapted and improved pedagogical strategies for developing design thinking in the practice. Those strategies were: generation ideas, designing and presentation of possible solutions, solving problems, creation prototypes, drawing empathy maps. The first results of approbated design thinking principles and methods are analyzed in this article.
OPPORTUNITIES OF TRANSFORMATIVE STUDENT LEARNING – THE CASE OF THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME
Authors: Maciejewska Monika
Published: May 2018

This article indicates that university-based mobility programmes enable communication between students and academics from different countries, creating potentially favourable circumstances to distance themselves from the hitherto-accepted habits and, as a result, can lead to transformative learning. The theoretical basis is J. Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning. The results of research conducted among the students participating in the Erasmus+ programme are analyzed. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the changes in selected mental habits observed by the above-mentioned students. According to the collected data, more than half of the respondents reported strengthening as many as 13 out of the 16 listed mental habits.
SHAPING SPIRITUALITY THROUGH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE INTENDED FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL – DISCUSSION OF SELECTED EXAMPLES
Authors: Baracz Weronika
Published: May 2018

The aim is to learn about the spirituality like a part of education. Spirituality is understood as values, attitudes and traditions choosing by man. It also refers to the integral, holistic upbringing of the human being. In this article, attention is paid to the comprehensive, multidimensional pupil development. This objective will be achieved by analyzing selected children's books. Short outline of the research problem and novelty.
PRE-SCHOOLER QUESTIONS ENCOURAGING COGNITION
Authors: Stangaine Inga , Augstkalne Dace
Published: May 2018

When pre-schooler learns language, development of his cognitive processes changes, ability to classify and generalise rises. Child’s needs and interests encourage him to ask, answer, think, act. Word meanings are used and sought in various speech situations, especially when expressing all known, unknown, understood, not understood verbally. Asking and answering questions requires certain vocabulary, ability to formulate thoughts and find contact with communication partner in dialogue.Aim: study of the pre-schooler question content, influence thereof on formation of cognitive interests.Methods and materials: analysis of theoretical literature, observations, conversations with children, writing down and analysing their spontaneous questions and creating question situations. Pre-schooler questions and their variety was analysed grouping by various criteria, reflecting diversity of children interests and ability to understand meaning of different words. Conclusions: progress of pre-schooler cognitive interests is expressed in their questions. When asking questions, child’s vocabulary becomes more expanded, which is related to the fact that perception of the world around us is enlarged and deepened. Adult responsiveness, ability to listen, patience in seeking answers, explaining unclear, encouraging to think and ask the next questions all are significant factors encouraging child’s cognitive interests.
AN ALGORITHM OF FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM FOR HUMAN RESOURCES SELECTION TOOLS
Authors: Slavyanov Krasimir
Published: May 2018

This article offers an original Human Resources selection procedure based on Mamdani fuzzy inference system (FIS) dedicated to compute multiple results each from different type of analyzing criterions. The modeling and information analysis of the FIS are developed to draw a general conclusion from several results each produced by Human Resources selection basic criterion. Simulation experiments are carried out in MATLAB environment.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Narkūnienė Ramutė , Gražulis Vladimiras
Published: May 2018

The authors of the paper discuss the tourism development conditions in the municipalities of Lithuania. The scientific problem - tourism development trends have not been studied at the local, municipality level in Lithuania and tourism in districts developed without a clear and long-term development strategy and consistent implementation of the programme. The aim of the research is to explore tourism development conditions in the municipalities of Lithuania. Objectives of the research are to characterize the factors influencing the development of tourism; to perform an analysis of the main factors of tourism development in Lithuania; to define the major factors of tourism management in the municipalities of Lithuania. Tourism development issues were discussed; the results of the research (an analysis of scientific literature and questionnaire survey, an analysis of strategic documents) were performed. The factors, which influence tourism the most are the human and financial resources, tourism infrastructure, the variety of tourism services, the virtual environment, the image of a tourism destination/ awareness, management of the tourism destination, the quality of tourism services and events. Tourism development in the municipalities of Lithuania is influenced by such factors, as the development of the tourism planning and management system, an adequate competence of human resources, cooperation between the public and private sectors, planning and organization, the legal framework for tourism, tourism projects development and implementation, a tourism development strategy and research in the tourism development area.
MUNICIPALITY ELECTIONS IN LATVIA: ANALYSIS OF PRE-ELECTION PROGRAMS
Authors: Ozolzīle Gunārs
Published: May 2018

The object of the research is the election of municipal governments (for cities of republican significance). The pre-election programmes of political parties, their associations and coalitions are analysed in the paper. The novelty of the research is determined by the fact that only pre-election programmes of political parties elaborated for the Saeima elections have been studied in Latvia so far, but there is no similar study on municipal elections. Voters, having become familiar with pre-election programmes of political parties, often recognise that these documents contain many uncertain and impossible promises. Assuming that the “quality” of party programmes could affect voter turnout and, consequently, the election results, it is possible to formulate the research problem: a different level of the specificity of the party pre-election programmes and its possible relation to the election results. In the research, by specificity (we will use this concept for the sake of convenience) we imply the relation between the number of promises, which can be assessed as concrete and realistic, and the total number of promises in the pre-election programmes. However, the aim of the research is to investigate the level of specificity of the party pre-election programmes and determine its relation to the results of the parties in municipal elections. The method of the content analysis has been used to evaluate the pre-election programmes. To achieve the aim of the research and determine whether there is a correlation between the level of specificity of the pre-election programmes and the results of the parties (votes obtained) in the municipal elections, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient is used. In all cities (except two), the correlation between the two variables is markedly weak or even with a minus sign.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLES IN RUSSIAN-LATVIAN RESEARCH PROJECT ON PEDAGOGUE PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ITEMS
Authors: Bogdanova Tatiana , Jermolajeva Jelena , Silchenkova Svetlana
Published: May 2018

The study is a part of Latvian-Russian research project on the professional identity of teacher started in 2013. The aim of the article is to analyze and compare the data of Latvian and Russian respondents in personal information items in two questionnaires for school teachers and university lecturers designed for studying the structural model of teacher’s professional identity. The surveys were carried out in 2015 (for university teachers, 198 respondents) and 2017 (for school teachers, 433 respondents). The common features of the modern pedagogical staff of the two countries are revealed, and differences and problem zones of the educational systems are indicated. Examining respondents’ personal information items, researchers revealed that in both countries, official statistical data on the pedagogical community, especially on the school teachers community, are incomplete and contradictory, especially in general school education. This suggests the need to improve methods of collecting statistical information in the field of public education.
EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE PLANNING METHODS
Authors: Žubule Ērika
Published: May 2018

The topicality of the research problem is justified by the fact that each country's sustainable development is affected by the government's policies. One of its main components is a fiscal or budgetary policy. Traditionally, it is defined as the money required for making a revenue and expenditure policy that is needed to ensure the government’s functioning, but the economic interpretation says it is the economy regulation system through taxes and government spending.In the finance theory and practice, great attention is paid to the part of expenses, saying that the most efficient budget reforms are possible in the area of government expenses.  It is emphasized that the diminishing of state expenses is possible already in the process of budget planning by increasing the reliability of users of budget funds. The state`s finance practice offers several models reflecting problems in the sphere of planning budget expenses. The aim of the research – to evaluate methods of planning government budget expenses used in the state`s finance practice and identify the figures of their efficiency, their problems and suggesting possible solutions.
EDUCATING FOR FUTURE JOBS
Authors: Lizut Jaonna , Marzano Gilberto , Grewinski Miroslaw
Published: May 2018

In a relatively short time, information and communication technology (ICT) has spread worldwide, from defense to space to large industrial applications, and to the commercial, healthcare, entertainment, and educational sectors. As a consequence, experts argue that it is urgent and critical to prepare educational programs in order to re-train the current workforce. However, there are some key questions that are very relevant, since they concern crucial and challenging issues: 1) Which jobs have a future in the digital era? 2) How can education support the acquisition of new skills required by the new jobs?This article focuses on the above questions, and presents the main opportunities that the digital revolution offers for sustaining education for future jobs in a lifelong perspective.
THE PHYSICAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE TEACHERS AS AN INPUT TOWARDS THE QUALITY OF THE PEDAGOGICAL ACTIVITY CONCEPT
Authors: Vecenane Helena , Bethere Dina , Usca Svetlana
Published: May 2018

The indicators of physical competence in scientific research studies and normative documents of education systems are defined differently. However, the consolidation of research evidence confirms that in this area the knowledge and skills of the person imply taking responsibility for health and well-being of one’s body, motoric skills, and ability to regulate and physically adapt to the surrounding environment. Undoubtedly, the family plays a major role in the development of children's physical competence. At the same time in this context the input of educational programmes is significant together with the individual physical competence of a teacher and his/her understanding about how to ensure its quality in one’s own work and in the concept of educational system.The aim of the research reflected in this publication is to analyse the physical competence of the students of Teacher Programmes as a resource for the development of the concept of their further pedagogical work. For this purpose, the emerging teachers have been surveyed using the methodology developed by Corbin et al. (2008). For statistical analysis of the research data the SPSS 22.0 programme was employed: a method of descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Kendall's tau-b correlation test.
PERCEIVED QUALITY OF RURAL TOURISM ACCOMMODATION SERVICES BY PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS
Authors: Dembovska Iveta , Silicka Inese , Litavniece Lienite
Published: May 2018

Rural tourism and corresponding activities generate new jobs, providing employment for people in rural areas, create a cooperation mechanism between different rural entrepreneurs, attract tourists, and thus contribute to both well-being of local population and the regional development in general. Rural tourism is attractive from an economic perspective, as it provides the opportunity to boost and diversify rural economies in remote areas. The paper is a part of the RTA scientific grant "Tourism Products Evaluation of the Rezekne Municipality (Quality Audit)". The aim of the research is to study rural tourism accommodation services in Rezekne municipality and to carry out their evaluation based on experts’ (potential customers’) perception of quality. The methods applied in the research: logical and constructive, synthesis and analysis, an empirical survey. However, the rural tourism accommodation establishments in Rezekne municipality in general are characterized by the keywords "responsiveness" and "hospitality" as well as by the well-ordered environment around the houses. The rural housings have to evaluate the current and future demand and precisely define the potential market segments to create an offer in accordance with it.
FORMATION OF THE PROFESSIONALLY-PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCE IN PREPARATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Zhanguzhinova Meruyert , Magauova Akmaral , Kertayeva Kaliyabanu , Yessimova Dinara , Toktarbayev Darkhan , Kassenov Khanat
Published: May 2018

The given article is considering the problem of insufficient formulation of theoretical bases of the Formation of Professional competence of students – future teachers of Vocational training in Kazakhstan upon requirements of a new educational paradigm, this impedes the integration into the global educational space. The analysis of the theories of EU, USA and UIS scientists revealed the novelty of the research in the implementation of the main directions of international experience in accordance with the requirements of the new educational paradigm, oriented towards competencies, based on knowledge, skills and attitude. The aim of the study is to reveal the professionally-pedagogical competence for the preparation of future teachers according to the structure of using primary methods of overview-theoretical analysis, including analysis and synthesis. The study design is based on the modern requirements of higher education, based on competencies of educational paradigm. The key results of the study will determinate suggestions on the Formation of the professional competence of future teachers on the example of the specialty Vocational training. On results of theories’ analyse will be revealed the structure of the professionally-pedagogical competence. The question of the study is how to improve the preparation of future teachers in Higher Educational Institutions, which is depending on modern requirements of educational paradigm based on competencies.
CERTIFICATION CRITERIA MATRIX FOR EXPERT RATING OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Authors: Jegere Sarmite
Published: May 2018

In the Latvian certification system of individuals, there is necessary to ensure appropriate process realization in the interests of public protection and government needs, which gets incorporated into the EU common structure. An assessment of the certification system and its institutional structure is done with the aim to develop proposals for the improvement of the Latvian certification system for reducing costs, while ensuring both high system efficiency and recipients services and the public interest. To achieve its goals, the research study provided a summary of the situation in Latvia, as well as in the neighbouring countries: Lithuania, Poland, Estonia and Finland. During the research study, there were used both the secondary and the primary sources of information. Primary research was carried out in Latvia and consisted of two parts: expert interviews and focus groups. The results of the research are guidance to the overall approach and the criteria by which to guide one in the future, for setting which professional service providers require a mandatory certification. A matrix was made in the process of the research, which helps to define a certified profession, taking into account the need to protect the public interest and the level of national involvement in the regulation of specific areas of professional services.
PRETEEN AGE: THE ANALYSIS OF THE MULTILEVEL PSYCHO-DIAGNOSTIC DATA BASED ON NEURAL NETWORK MODELS
Authors: Slavutskaya Elena , Slavutskii Leonid
Published: May 2018

The use of the artificial neural network (ANN) models for vertical system analysis of psycho-diagnostic data is suggested. It is shown that the ANN training, as the problem of nonlinear multi-parameter optimization, allows to create effective algorithms for the psycho-diagnostic data processing when the results of psychological testing for the different level’s characteristics have different numerical scales. On the example of processing the author's data of psycho-diagnostics (preadolescent schoolchildren), it is shown that neural network models can be used to estimate latent (hidden) connections between psychological characteristics. The proposed algorithms are based on a statistical assessment of the quality of such models, do not require a large sample of respondents. The quantitative statistical criteria for evaluating the quality of the models are estimated. The approach is sufficiently clear for practical use by psychologists who do not have a special mathematical preparation.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS IN LATVIA'S HOUSING STOCK AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Sakovskis Aleksandrs
Published: May 2018

Development of the housing and utilities sector for provision of necessary living conditions is one of the most significant areas in the national socio-economic transformation. Residential construction, housing services and public utilities, that ensure regeneration and maintenance of housing stock and bring housing and utilities to their direct consumers, are the key industries of the sector. The development of the housing sector in Latvia fails to meet the EU requirements: tasks placed on the sector are not carried out properly thus significantly lowering quality of life of the population. Therefore, the issue of housing and utilities stands to be one of the most pressing social problems in the country. The housing and utilities sector suffers from substantial difficulties due to lack of financing, weak physical infrastructure, an insufficient number of skilled personnel, lack of a forethought housing and utilities policy, and inadequately developed regulations for companies operating within the area of housing services maintenance. To the author, the key issue of the housing services in Latvia is renovation of obsolete housing stock. In the presented scientific paper, based on studies of the economic effect from the implementation and development of energy efficiency projects (renovation) of multi-apartment buildings in Latvia, an analysis is performed of the influence of renovation projects on the construction industry in Latvia. Therefore, the aim of the research is to examine the potential of the energy efficiency (renovation) projects of multi-apartment buildings in Latvia as a tool for development of the construction industry and of the economy of the country in general.Econometric methods as well as methods of sociological research and statistical analysis are applied in this work. In the final part, the author demonstrates that the programmes for raising the energy efficiency of housing stock are an effective tool for development of the construction industry in Latvia.
TOPICAL TEACHERS' WORK TECHNIQUES IN EDUCATION PROCESS OF PUPILS WITH MENTAL DISORDERS
Authors: Rozenfelde Marite
Published: May 2018

The paper describes the study on efficient and less effective teachers' work techniques in lessons, working with pupils with mental disorders and implementing the inclusive educational process that is governed by Latvian national and educational policies. The summary of the answers of comprehensive and special schools' teachers involved in research also indicates a number of additional factors that are significant in the learning process of pupils with mental disorders and can contribute to or reduce pupils' learning achievements.