Taikomieji tyrimai studijose ir praktikoje - Applied research in studies and practice
The journal publishes original articles prepared by researchers with the results of their accomplished research studies in biomedical, physical, the humanities, social and technological scientific fields.
Panevėžio kolegija/State Higher Education Institution
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USING THE MOST POPULAR PHOTO EDITING APPS AND SELECTION CRITERIA AMONG USERS
The article analyzes what are the most used photo editing apps. The pros and cons of these apps are discussed. An analysis of the study in which students of Panevėžio kolegija/State Higher Education Institution participated. The aim of the study was to find out what criteria students follow when choosing photo editing apps, which ones they most often use for photo editing. It examines what problems they face when editing photos.
photo editing apps, goal of photo editing, criteria, best photo editing apps
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF AGRICULTURE: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The study examines the prospects of digital transformation and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern agriculture as a response to global challenges of food security, climate change, and resource scarcity. The main purpose is to analyze how AI-based technologies—such as machine learning, IoT, and predictive analytics—enhance agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making. The research employs an analytical and comparative approach based on recent literature and global case studies from the United States, the European Union, China, and India. Findings indicate that AI enables precision irrigation, optimized resource allocation, and improved yield prediction, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact. However, barriers such as low digital literacy, limited infrastructure, and insufficient investment remain pronounced in developing economies. The case of Azerbaijan illustrates both emerging potential and persistent challenges in implementing smart agriculture initiatives. The study concludes that successful AI integration requires coordinated policy frameworks, digital capacity-building, and multi-sector collaboration to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI); Digital Transformation; Agriculture 4.0; Smart Farming; Sustainable Development; Azerbaijan
STUDENT EVALUATION CULTURE AND ACADEMIC DIGNITY: ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION
This article explores the impact of student evaluation culture on lecturers’ professional dignity and reputation in the context of globalization. Student evaluations have become not only a mechanism for assuring study quality but also a key factor shaping academic reputation and career prospects. The aim of the study is to examine how evaluation practices affect lecturers’ dignity and reputation while identifying the ethical criteria that reinforce respect within the academic community. The research draws on literature analysis, comparative methodology, and theoretical generalizations. The findings reveal that student evaluation culture is strongly influenced by market logic, the dominance of satisfaction-driven criteria, and the spread of consumerist values, all of which are intensified by globalization, transforming higher education into a competitive service market. The study concludes that respect, honesty, accountability, transparency, and professional integrity are essential ethical principles for safeguarding lecturers’ dignity, reducing reputational vulnerability, and fostering trust in the academic community.
student evaluation culture; academic dignity; ethical challenges; globalization
EVALUATION IN AN ERA OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the evolution of evaluation theories and paradigms, with particular attention to their relevance and applicability in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of today's global challenges. The research tasks include systematizing evaluation theories, identifying stages of their historical development, comparative characterization, as well as evaluating new trends and digital approaches. Using a structured literature review (SLR) based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, classical and new paradigms (positivist, constructivist, realist, transformative and digital/evaluative) were synthesized and their epistemology, methods, role of stakeholders and relevance to the SDGs were compared. The research methodology is based on a structured literature review (SLR) approach, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure transparency and reproducibility. A combined methodology was used: bibliometric analysis, inductive content classification, and historical comparative method, which allowed identifying the stages of paradigm development and their contextual characteristics. The synthesised review contributes to theoretical clarity, provides policymakers with practical insights into evaluation practice, and outlines future research directions, particularly in the context of global sustainability and digital transformation. The results clarify theoretical developments and offer practical insights for evaluation practitioners and policymakers, while also outlining a future research agenda on digital transparency, equity and capacity building in evaluation.
evaluation theory, evolution of evaluation paradigms; digital evaluation; ethical dimension in evaluation
AGE, NURSING EXPERIENCE, MARITAL STATUS AND CHILDREN AS RISK FACTORS FOR BURNOUT IN LITHUANIAN PROFESSIONAL NURSES
Skilled healthcare providers often experience perceived stress, which may affect up to 71% of nurses, resulting in seriuos mental outcome such as burnout syndrome. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and poor personal accomplishment are three core components responsible for the development of burnout. In October–December 2024, a total of 148 female nurses were pooled for a cross-sectional study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to assess the self-perceived professional burnout experienced by Lithuanian clinical nurses, respectively. This study highlighted a worrying proportion of nurses found to be at an increased risk of professional burnout syndrome after more than 50% of nurses had experienced the symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. More specifically, depersonalization as a core component of burnout was identified as having a higher rank in childless, single nurses (η2p = 0.11, p < 0.001) 22–39 years of age (d = 0.4, p = 0.012), who had less than five years of nursing experience (η2p = 0.04, p = 0.048). These variables must be taken into account when designing risk profiles for professional nurses. This would contribute to the implementation of health management programs or mindfulness-based cognitive therapies for the groups of nurses who are tending to full-blown occupational burnout, and in this fashion, some of its more severe mental disorders could be circumvented.
burnout; depersonalization; emotional exhaustion; mental health; nurses
SOMATOTYPE MAGNITUDE IN ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL INTAKE AMONG LITHUANIAN PROFESSIONAL ROAD CYCLISTS
Optimal nutrition goals are undoubtedly associated with general health, fitness, and somatotype in athletes. The primary aim of this single cross-sectional study was to determine the somatotype profiles in relation to nutritional profiles among Lithuanian high-performance road cyclists (n = 50). The nutritional status of athletes and body composition along with the somatotype profiles were performed using a battery of both the 3-day food record analysis and the multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The central tendency values for the somatotype components of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy in male and female athletes playing cycling sports were 4.3–5.1–3.5 and 4.2–4.4–3.2, respectively. In the athletes’ cohort under analysis, high-level mesomorphs were prone to consume low-carbohydrate (β –0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.1; –0.01, p = 0.036) and high-protein diets (β 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2; 0.6, p = 0.047). Contrastingly, the professional road cyclists with a higher expression of ectomorphy were on high-carbohydrate (β 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01; 0.2, p = 0.049) diet. Finally, although nutrition goals as a mediator can play a key role in undergoing the maintenance of balance between the optimal body composition for athletic performance and the development of an ecto-mesomorphic somatotype, the professional male cyclists with higher levels of mesomorphy value should be aware of lowering the body fat percentage coupled with dietary fat reduction and higher protein plus carbohydrates intakes. Also, the somatotyping as an additional assessment approach can be utilized in choosing correct coaching techniques.
athletes; body composition; cycling sports; nutrition; somatotype
PERCEIVED STRESS IS INVERSELY CORRELATED WITH BODY FAT IN LITHUANIAN FEMALE NURSES
According to the position of the American Institute of Stress, the human population is currently facing a mental health crisis. The study aimed to assess the correlation perceived psychological stress and body fat percentage (BF%) in clinical nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions. In October-November 2024, a single cross-sectional study was performed using the confidential survey method. The final analysis of the study sample included 121 female nurses with the mean age of 40.8 ± 10.3 years. Both the Reeder Stress Inventory along with the Spanish-developed predictor for the body fat percentage, namely, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-body adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE) were applied to evaluate the levels of perceived psychological stress and body composition in Lithuanian clinical nurses. This study identified as many as 74% of female nurses who were overweight or obese. The increased level of perceived stress was found among 45% of nurses, too. The BF% (41.4 ± 8.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.1; 45.8%) of nurses with low-level perceived stress was statistically significantly higher compared to developed BF% in nurses with moderate or high-level psychological stress (35.3 ± 5.8%, 95% CI: 33.7; 36.9% and 36.2± 6.6%, 95% CI: 34.4; 38.0%) (F = 5.7, p = 0.004). Although the study highlighted the issues related to overweight and obesity as well as the increased levels of perceived stress in a sample of female nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions, that in turn should serve as a starting point for instigating two-way preventive initiatives in order to strengthen the mental health in nurses and reduce the incidence of obesity.
body fat; clinical nurses; mental health; perceived stress
RESEARCH OF BEARING CAPACITY OF PILE PRESSED FOUNDATIONS IN DOUBLE-LAYER SOIL
Homogeneous soil is rarely found in nature. Most often, soil consists of layers with different properties. Pile foundations are used to transfer structural loads to solid soil layers. This article examines the dependence of the bearing capacity of pile foundations on the depth of embedment and the diameter of the pile in the case of two-layer soil.
pile foundations, double-layer soil, bearing capacity
DO DIVIDEND YIELDS EXPLAIN STOCK PRICE CHANGES? AN ANALYSIS OF BALTIC SEA MARKETS
Despite the integration of the Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian stock markets into the NASDAQ OMX Baltic exchange, the region continues to attract limited investment compared to its Nordic counterparts. This study tries to find - do dividend yields explain long-term stock price changes in the Baltic stock market. A dataset of 34 listed Baltic companies from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia was analyzed for the period 2016–2025, and the results were compared to 245 large-cap companies listed in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. Ten-year stock price change was correlated with ten-year dividend yield, profit change, and revenue change. The Baltic markets exhibit a statistically significant and semi-strong positive correlation between dividend yield and long-term stock price change, indicating that investors in this emerging region price dividends as a relevant component of expected return. Profit change also showed a positive correlation, while revenue change was weaker. Cross-market comparison confirms the robustness of the relationship: Denmark shows the strongest correlation (r = 0.78; p < 10⁻¹⁰), Finland and Sweden moderate but significant correlations, and Iceland no statistically reliable relationship due to the small market. The results suggest that dividend yield functions as a meaningful driver of long-term price appreciation in the Baltic region and aligns more closely with Nordic investor behaviors than prior literature on emerging markets would imply. Findings contribute evidence that dividend policy may serve as a valuation signal in developing equity markets
stock market, NASDAQ OMX Baltic, NASDAQ OMX Nordic, Dividend Yield
THE MOST COMMON FEARS IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING INPATIENT TREATMENT: THEORETICAL INSIGHTS AND EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
According to Hakim et al. (2023), based on WHO reports, more than 6 million children are hospitalised each year for a wide range of conditions, and overall, every child is hospitalised at least once in their lifetime due to some illness, so research related to children’s fears during inpatient treatment is very valuable – more and more evidence-based information is being disclosed about the fears children face during hospital admissions, ways to effectively reduce them, and how general practice nurses can contribute to the overall process of identifying and overcoming these fears. This study is also expected to contribute to improving the nursing care of paediatric patients by assisting in identifying the fears of hospitalised children, identify the most effective approaches to reducing and overcoming them, and define the significance of general practice nurses in the inpatient treatment of children suffering from fear during hospitalisation.
hospitalised children, hospital (related) fears, hospitalisation, nurse support
MULTI-CRITERIA EFFICIENCY EVALUATION OF BIO-BASED WALL THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS FOR ZERO-EMISSION PUBLIC BUILDINGS USING THE ARAS METHOD
This research evaluates bio-based wall thermal insulation materials for zero-emission public buildings by applying the additive ratio assessment (ARAS) method, which provides a systematic framework for ranking alternatives based on multiple criteria, thereby supporting sustainable building design decisions. The assessment of four bio-based thermal insulation materials (compressed straw bale; hemp fiber; flax (linen) fiber and wood fiber insulation) was conducted using six selected criteria: average material price in 2025-3Q, €/m²; average insulation material thermal conductivity, W/m·K; reference service life, years; global warming potential (GWP-fossil in A1-A3 stages), kg CO2eq/ m²; the fire resistance class of the material, points; required insulation thickness at a wall‘s U-value of 0.12, m. The results of the empirical research demonstrate that among the evaluated wall bio-based insulation alternatives, compressed straw bale stands out as the most effective material for zero-emission public buildings. This insulation material attained the highest relative performance index of 0.85, reflecting its superior ranking within the ARAS evaluation framework. Among the four assessed alternatives, the insulation materials based on hemp fiber and flax (linen) fiber exhibited the lowest degree of utility, scoring 0.70 and 0.66 points respectively. The performance gap between the optimal and least favorable alternatives was found to be 22.43 percent.
external wall; bio-based thermal insulation materials; zero-emission public building; ARAS method
RESEARCH ON THE CONVERSION OF FOOD WASTE INTO BIOGAS
Every year, approximately 1.3 million tonnes of municipal waste are generated in Lithuania, of which about 50% is biodegradable waste. This includes food, garden and park waste, etc. Most biodegradable waste is disposed of in landfills, but this is not the only way to manage this waste. Waste can be useful, and its recycling can create added value. This encourages waste recycling and opens up opportunities for companies to invest in the waste recycling sector. The most effective and promising method of waste treatment for converting organic waste into alternative energy, reducing the amount of organic waste going to landfills and obtaining fertiliser is anaerobic waste decomposition in bioreactors. This article presents a study of biogas production opportunities conducted by Kasmonta, a company engaged in the collection of biodegradable waste.
biodegradable waste, alternative energy, bioreactor, biogas
LABOUR MARKET IN HOST COUNTRIES FOREMPLOYMENT OF MIGRANT WOMEN FROM UKRAINE
Migration is not a new phenomenon in the modern world, but the war against Ukraine initiated by Russia in 2022 has transformed it into an unprecedented global challenge. The aim of this work is to analyze labor market, employment, and job opportunities in host countries for migrant women from Ukraine. A qualitative analysis of scientific publications, documents, and statistical reports is used in this work. Our results reveal that economies in the host countries, namely Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Türkiye, are projected to show robust growth. Therefore, the labor market in these countries will accordingly increase. However, there is a discrepancy between required professions and actual employment of Ukrainian females in host countries. Czech Republic and Germany preferable need employees in engineering and technical fields while Poland and Türkiye experience the lack of employees in the service sector (health and hospitality, accordingly). In host countries, Ukrainian females have to simultaneously combine their jobs with caring about their family’s disadvantaged members (children and older generation representatives) and language courses. These issues, namely skill recognition, language proficiency, and family situation, postpone the employment of Ukrainian females in jobs in host countries relevant to their educational and employment background.
employment; host countries; job opportunities; labor market; migrant women
Mateusz SZOSTKIEWICZ Mateusz SZOSTKIEWICZ
EVALUATION OF DIABETIC FOOT SELF-CARE IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
This study evaluates the knowledge, habits and practical behaviour of diabetic foot self-care in people with diabetes mellitus, with a focus on ulcer prevention. Diabetic foot self-care in people with diabetes mellitus is an important element of feet health care and nurturing. Peripheral neuropathy, ischemia and feet deformities significantly increase the risk of ulcers and infections, especially when patients do not notice injuries or do not apply preventive care. Active and appropriate foot self-care helps maintain feet health and prevent feet problems, such as ulcers. The study included 128 respondents who are 18 years old and older, with diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot, as well. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers of this study, which was based on the „Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare”, and processed using mathematical, graphical and descriptive analysis.
diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot, diabetic foot ulcer, self-care
TECHNOLOGIES AND DOLOMITE: HOW LOCAL RESOURCES RESHAPE GLOBAL BUSINESS
The integration of locally sourced raw materials into advanced technological processes is transforming the global construction materials industry. This study focuses on Lithuanian dolomite reserves, particularly those at the Petrašiūnai 2 and Petrašiūnai 3 quarries, and evaluates their potential to meet international infrastructure standards. Laboratory analysis confirms that Petrašiūnai dolomite possesses high magnesium oxide content and consistent mineral quality, making it suitable for demanding applications. Multi-stage crushing technologies significantly enhance the mechanical properties and geometric uniformity of dolomite aggregates, enabling them to compete with granite in road construction. Furthermore, the use of locally sourced dolomite supports sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and strengthening supply chain resilience. These findings demonstrate that strategic utilization of regional mineral resources, combined with technological innovation, can promote sustainable development and improve global competitiveness in the construction sector.
dolomite; Petrašiūnai quarries; local resources
THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL TOURISM: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF AKDENIZ UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Globalisation and digital transformation are reshaping how universities approach internationalisation and educational tourism. Educational tourism has traditionally depended on physical mobility, with students travelling to gain academic and cultural experience. Advances in online learning and hybrid teaching now enable new forms of mobility that do not require travel. This study examines these changes through a comparative case analysis of Akdeniz University in Türkiye and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Using qualitative document analysis, the research reviews institutional strategies, policy documents and public materials related to internationalisation and digital learning. The findings show that Akdeniz University continues to follow a traditional model of internationalisation based on face-to-face instruction and regional student mobility. Digital tools are used in teaching but do not yet influence international engagement. The University of Edinburgh demonstrates a contrasting approach in which digital transformation is fully integrated into internationalisation. Edinburgh provides extensive online programmes, hybrid learning environments and digital pathways that support global participation. These differences indicate that digital educational tourism develops in line with national policy priorities, institutional capacity and approaches to digital learning. The study concludes that digital educational tourism expands access and flexibility, but it requires strategic alignment between digital transformation and internationalisation policies.
Digital Transformation, Higher Education, Educational Tourism, Internationalisation, Comparative Case Study
THE IMPACT OF OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FUTURE DECISIONS
Obstetric violence—disrespectful, abusive, or neglectful treatment during childbirth—is a gender-based human rights violation encompassing non-consensual procedures, discrimination, and neglect, often rooted in provider stress, staff shortages, and poor awareness of patient rights. This study (May–September 2025) examined its prevalence and effects. The findings indicate that over half of respondents reported inadequate pain management, including unanesthetized perineal procedures; one-fourth experienced pain during gynecological exams. Violations of autonomy and consent were common, including restricted choice of delivery position, compromised privacy, and insufficient information. Nearly half reported emotional abuse, while two-thirds had limited skin-to-skin contact and over half inadequate breastfeeding support. Consequences included fear of gynecological care, sexual dysfunction, postpartum depression, and PTSD, leading some women to avoid future pregnancies or change health care providers.
obstetric violence; informed consent; reduced trust in healthcare; reduced reproductive intentions
EVALUATION OF THE CHILDREN'S DAY CENTRE'S ACTIVITIES FROM THE CHILDREN'S PERSPECTIVE: SATISFACTION, CHANGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
This article presents the results of a survey of visitors to children's day centre, part of the Panevėžys City Social Services Centre, revealing children's views on the centre's activities and the quality of the services provided. The aim of the study is to assess children's satisfaction with the activities of the day centre and to identify positive changes in their daily lives, relationships and personal development. The questionnaire survey showed that the majority of children have a positive opinion of the centre's environment, the work of its staff and the activities offered. The survey data shows that attending the day centre promotes children's friendliness, independence and self-confidence and improves their relationships with their families and peers. Although there are a few areas for improvement, such as increasing the variety of activities or renovating the premises, the overall conclusion confirms that day center is an important social service institution that contributes to the emotional well-being and social integration of children.
children's day centres; quality of social services; children's attitudes; social adaptation; emotional well-being
SHARED LEADERSHIP IN PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION: THE PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE
Shared leadership has been a topic of discussion and debate among scientists and practitioners. The article analyses the perspective of parents on shared leadership in the pre-school educational institution. The article consists of three parts: first, the concept of shared leadership and its features are revealed, the second part of the article presents the methodology of empirical research, and in the third part of the paper main results of the research are discussed. Shared leadership in the article is understood as a process based on collective responsibility, cooperation, and democratic values, in which all members of the community are involved in decision-making, activity planning, and sharing responsibility. A study of shared leadership characteristics in one nursery school revealed that, from the parents' point of view, leadership is shared in this educational institution because it is based on cooperation, trust, and the involvement of parents in the life of the educational institution. Parents are informed, listened to, invited to participate in activities, offer ideas, and contribute to decision-making. The support and openness of teachers create the conditions for active, equal partnership.
leadership, shared leadership, features of shared leadership
PROBIOTIC CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND AWARENESS ABOUT BENEFICIAL AND HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS AMONG BIOMEDICAL STUDENTS
Probiotic supplements are widely recognized for their potential health benefits, yet their adverse effects are often overlooked. Recent evidence highlights several health risks associated with probiotics, underscoring the need for greater awareness and careful use. This study aimed to analyze patterns of probiotic supplement consumption among biomedical students and assess their awareness of both beneficial and harmful health effects. The study was conducted from February to September 2025, focusing on students’ knowledge of probiotic-rich foods and microorganism species, motivations for supplement use, duration of consumption, attitudes toward safety and compatibility, experienced effects, and knowledge of contraindications. Findings indicate a general lack of knowledge among students regarding probiotic-containing foods and the composition of probiotic supplements, with most able to identify only the most common foods and strains. The primary motivation for supplementation was antibiotic use, particularly for managing diarrhea, followed by poor digestion and constipation. More than half of respondents reported using probiotics only once, with typical use lasting approximately two weeks. Most participants obtained probiotics based on medical advice, predominantly from pharmacies. Positive effects, including improved digestion, bowel function, immunity, and skin condition, were commonly reported, whereas adverse effects—primarily bloating and flatulence—were reported by one-third of participants. Awareness of serious adverse effects and contraindications was limited; only a minority recognized risks associated with immunocompromised individuals, premature neonates, or other vulnerable populations. These results highlight significant gaps in knowledge regarding both the benefits and risks of probiotics among biomedical students, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions to promote safe and informed use of probiotic supplements.
probiotic supplements, beneficial and harmful health effects, contraindications
WORLDWIDE ASSESSMENT OF NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE IN CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA INTERPRETATION AND MANAGEMENT
This study evaluates the knowledge of global registered nurses regarding the interpretation and management of cardiac arrhythmia. The research aims to identify strengths and gaps in nurses’ electrocardiogram interpretation skills, emergency response decisions, and pharmacological competencies. We developed a structured 14-item questionnaire based on recent scientific literature and administered it to 30 registered nurses from diverse clinical settings. We analyzed the results using descriptive mathematical and graphical methods. Nurses demonstrate solid understanding of myocardial infarction recognition, asystole management, and anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, but show major knowledge gaps in defibrillation energy levels, ventricular fibrillation recognition, and drug selection for bradycardia. These findings indicate inconsistent competency in managing life-threatening arrhythmia. The study concludes that nurses require regular electrocardiography training, simulation-based practice, and globally standardized educational programs to strengthen arrhythmia management skills. Improving these competencies supports safer clinical decision-making and enhances patient outcomes.
EDUCATING BILINGUAL CHILDREN IN PRESCHOOL INSTITUTIONS: EXPERIENCES OF AUSTRIAN EDUCATORS
The article analyzes the peculiarities of bilingual children's education in preschool institutions. The main research method is interviews. After analyzing the experience of Austrian preschool teachers, it was determined that bilingualism is a natural phenomenon that promotes children's linguistic and cognitive development, improves problem-solving skills, flexibility in thinking, and adaptation to new situations. Educators also face challenges in teaching bilingual children related to limited vocabulary and language mixing. These phenomena are often temporary and can be overcome if the child receives appropriate support both at school and at home. Austrian preschool teachers most often use visual and multisensory tools, creative activities, flexible language combinations, and an individualized approach to each child when teaching bilingual children, and they consistently collaborate with the children's parents.
bilingualism, preschool education, child language and cognitive development, teaching methods
AI IN INVESTMENT PRACTICES: CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION, TRUST AND LIABILITY
This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) influences investment decision-making, with a focus on trust, responsibility, and regulatory perceptions. Using a quantitative survey approach, the research explores how frequently investors use AI tools, their perceived benefits and challenges, and attitudes toward accountability and oversight. Results indicate that while awareness of AI is increasing, adoption remains moderate and concentrated on accessible applications such as market analysis and forecasting. Respondents reported limited but positive effects on investment outcomes, alongside concerns about data reliability, transparency, and excessive reliance on automated systems. Trust in AI was found to be cautious—investors generally viewed AI as a supportive analytical tool rather than an independent decision-maker. Most participants assigned responsibility for AI-related losses to investors themselves but also favored stronger regulation to ensure ethical and transparent use. The study concludes that AI’s successful integration into investment practices depends on balancing efficiency with accountability and human oversight. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on ethical governance and responsible innovation in global financial systems.
Artificial intelligence, investment decision-making, trust, financial technology, responsible innovation
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT AND CUSTOMER SAFETY IN THE BANKING SECTOR – LEGAL AND ORGANISATIONAL CHALLENGES
The aim of the article is to comprehensively analyze the impact of the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) on customer security in the banking sector and to identify the most important legal, technological and organizational challenges related to the implementation of artificial intelligence systems. The study used the method of systematic literature review, comparative analysis of regulatory documents and review of supervisory reports. The results indicate that AI systems used in banking – especially in the area of credit risk assessment and anti-fraud – generate new types of risk, including algorithmic risk, data bias, opacity of decision-making processes, and susceptibility of models to manipulation. The AI Act introduces obligations on data quality, auditability, human oversight and model monitoring to strengthen consumer protection. The identified challenges include a lack of specialist competence, immaturity of the data infrastructure, high implementation costs and the need to reorganise model management processes. The conclusions indicate that the effectiveness of the AI Act depends on the ability of financial institutions to adapt technologically and organizationally, as well as on building a culture of responsible and transparent use of AI in banking.
AI Act, artificial intelligence, customer security, algorithmic risk, financial regulation
THE THEORETICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHARED LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT IN THE EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT
Shared leadership and professional burnout have been topics of discussion and debate among scientists and practitioners. The article analyses the theoretical assumptions of the relationship between shared leadership and professional burnout in an educational context. The article consists of the following parts: first, the concepts of shared leadership and burnout are revealed, and then the relationship between these two concepts is discussed. An analysis of scientific literature suggests that decentralised leadership, empowerment, a culture based on trust, effective communication, and feedback, as features of shared leadership, help to create a psychologically safe working environment and climate of an educational institution. Such an organisational climate reduces the risk of teachers’ burnout, strengthens their motivation, emotional resilience, and engagement. This suggests that shared leadership in the educational institution and teachers’ professional burnout are interrelated.
leadership, shared leadership, professional burnout, dimensions of professional burnout
THE IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION
Accountancy has traditionally been a profession in demand on the labour market. Interest in the accounting profession remains high among students and employers. However, with the digitalisation of the economy and the automation of routine processes, the content of the accountant's professional activity is changing significantly. These changes are defining a new profile for the accounting professional. Accountants now support organizations in adopting digital systems and integrating financial technologies into daily operations. This technological transition also influences the soft skills required in the profession, including communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving — competencies essential for translating digital data into meaningful insights for managers and stakeholders. The aim of this study is to investigate how digitalization reshapes the professional competencies required of accountants, focusing on the interaction between soft skills and digital capabilities, and to validate these trends using empirical evidence from the Latvian labor market. The results show that while automation reduces routine tasks, it amplifies the need for accountants capable of analytical thinking, effective communication, and digital literacy. Employers strongly emphasize education, prior experience, English proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
accountant competence, digitalisation, soft skills, labour market skills
INTEGRATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO FREIGHT ROAD TRANSPORT: CHALLENGES AND SELECTION CRITERIA
In the rapidly developing and dynamically changing global logistics sector, freight transport businesses are increasingly investing in the renewal of vehicles used in daily freight operations. This trend is particularly evident in the segment of road freight transport. Business organizations involved in freight transportation by trucks are not only allocating relatively large investments for the regular renewal of their vehicle fleets, but also increasingly opting for transport powered by alternative energy sources, in response to tightening environmental standards. Electric vehicles are gradually becoming one of the most popular modern choices for road freight transport. Their integration into freight trucking operations significantly reduces pollutant gas emissions typical of freight transport activities and helps optimize the daily operational costs of trucks. However, the integration of modern electric vehicles into road freight transport also faces specific challenges. A detailed analysis of these challenges enables logistics business owners to better assess the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles when integrating them into long-distance freight transport. This article aims to explore the essential challenges of integrating electric vehicles into the freight truck transport segment and to present scientifically grounded criteria for evaluation of electric trucks, which will enable a more efficient selection process when incorporating electric trucks into standard freight transportation activities.
freight transportation, logistics, electric freight trucks, electric vehicles
PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION PROCESSES
In the context of globalization, significant changes are taking place in the system of international relations, socio-economic processes and the legal sphere, which directly affects the implementation and protection of human rights. Globalization creates both new opportunities for the development of democracy, the rule of law and international cooperation, and significant challenges associated with increasing inequality, migration crises, information threats and the weakening of national sovereignty. In this context, the improvement of international legal mechanisms for the protection of human rights and their effective integration into national legal systems is of particular importance. Research into this issue contributes to the formation of a holistic approach to ensuring the rights and freedoms of the individual in the context of growing global interdependence. The article is devoted to the theoretical study of the main directions of the impact of globalization on the problems of protecting human rights in the modern, democratic and humane world. The study of international legal mechanisms for the protection of human rights, which are designed to play a unique role in responding to the challenges of globalization and using the opportunities it opens up for equality for all in the international community, is carried out. The article identifies the main regulatory and legal acts that are decisive for the formation of both international and domestic policies of each state that regulate the sphere of human rights protection.
human rights, globalization, mechanisms for the protection of human rights, international law international organizations
BORDERLESS INNOVATION: THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION ON ENTREPRENEURIAL TRANSFORMATION
The 21st century has witnessed the emergence of borderless entrepreneurship, driven by globalization, technology, and education. The current global economic environment has created unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and scale ventures beyond national boundaries. This study examines the complex interactions between globalization, technological advancements, and education, highlighting their combined effect on entrepreneurial transformation. Globalization facilitates cross-border trade, investment, and cultural exchange, enabling entrepreneurs to access wider markets and diverse knowledge pools. Technology, encompassing artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and digital platforms, enhances operational efficiency, decision-making, and scalability. Education equips entrepreneurs with critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and leadership skills necessary to navigate volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) business environments. This paper proposes a conceptual model of "borderless innovation", integrating these three pillars to demonstrate their synergistic effect in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. Additionally, the study identifies challenges such as digital divide, regulatory complexities, and educational disparities, providing recommendations for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
borderless innovation; education; entrepreneurial transformation; globalization; technology