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2. Stemming the Tide: Tackling Early Leaving from Vocational Education and Training in Times of Crises. Synthesis Report of Cedefop/ReferNet Survey. Research Paper
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Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
- Abstract
This synthesis report is based on a survey carried out during 2022 with Cedefop's reporting network ReferNet. It makes an important contribution to understanding the magnitude of early leaving from VET (ELVET) in those European countries where relevant data are available, and the mechanisms and support measures countries employ to measure and monitor the phenomenon at national and regional levels. The report puts special focus on the main factors leading to early leaving from initial VET as reported by EU Member States, Norway and Iceland. It details the support measures teachers, trainers, school principals and companies providing work-based learning received to overcome the challenges society faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. This research is part of Cedefop's pioneering work within the VET for youth team to support policy-makers and VET practitioners tackling early leaving from VET in Europe. For more than a decade, Cedefop has led research, promoted peer learning through its policy learning fora, and developed and managed online toolkits to benefit learners at risk of dropping out, early leavers from VET and young NEETs. The VET toolkit for tackling early leaving and the VET toolkit for empowering NEETs offer a platform of intervention approaches, good practices and interactive tools designed for both policy-makers and VET teachers and trainers. The community of ambassadors tackling early leaving from VET, created and coordinated by Cedefop since 2017, plays a vital role in enriching and disseminating the toolkit resources. The findings of this survey feed into Cedefop's project on Tackling early leaving from VET. It aims to support EU Member States and the European Commission in the implementation of the Council recommendation on pathways to school success (Council of the European Union, 2022) and the achievement of Education and training 2030 strategic target to lower the rates of early leaving from education and training (Council of the European Union, 2021). more...
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- 2023
3. Flexible Learning and Teaching: Thematic Peer Group Report. Learning & Teaching Paper #21
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European University Association (EUA) (Belgium)
- Abstract
European higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing increasing demands for more flexible learning and flexibility in learning paths. This report from a 2023 European University Association Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Group on "Flexible learning and teaching" explores the complexity of implementing flexible learning at HEIs, starting by defining what it means and entails for the institution, and its members and entities (staff, students, leadership, faculties). With the view that the development of flexible learning is an essential condition for the future of learning at universities, the group identified challenges and examples of practice, and offered recommendations for institutions to reflect on their strategy and build capacity for flexible learning. more...
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- 2024
4. Intersectionality in Education: Rationale and Practices to Address the Needs of Students' Intersecting Identities. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 302
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Directorate for Education and Skills, Samo Varsik, and Julia Gorochovskij
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Intersectionality highlights that different aspects of individuals' identities are not independent of each other. Instead, they interact to create unique identities and experiences, which cannot be understood by analysing each identity dimension separately or in isolation from their social and historical contexts. Intersectional approaches in this way question the common classification of individuals into groups (male vs. female, immigrant vs. native etc.), which raises important implications for the policy-making process. In education, analyses with an intersectional lens have the potential to lead to better tailored and more effective policies and interventions related to participation, learning outcomes, students' attitudes towards the future, identification of needs, and socio-emotional well-being. Consequently, as elaborated in this paper, some countries have adjusted their policies in the areas of governance, resourcing, developing capacity, promoting school-level interventions and monitoring, to account for intersectionality. Gaps and challenges related to intersectional approaches are also highlighted. more...
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- 2023
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5. How Are OECD Governments Navigating the Digital Higher Education Landscape? Evidence from a Comparative Policy Survey. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 303
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Directorate for Education and Skills, Nikolaj Broberg, and Gillian Golden
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Module A of the OECD Higher Education Policy Survey (HEPS) 2022 elicited information on policies to promote digitalisation of higher education in OECD member and accession countries. In total, 30 jurisdictions responded, providing comparative information on various areas of digitalisation policy, from regulation and governance to financial and human resources. The survey results provide insight into the role of public authorities in guiding, coordinating and resourcing the digital transformation of higher education institutions. The analysis and comparative tables in this working paper provide insights that can support the development of strategic digitalisation policies. more...
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- 2023
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6. Indicators of Inclusion in Education: A Framework for Analysis. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 300
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Directorate for Education and Skills, Cecilia Mezzanotte, and Claire Calvel
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Calls for increased monitoring and evaluation of education policies and practices have not, so far, included widespread and consistent assessments of the inclusiveness of education settings. Measuring inclusion in education has proven to be a challenging exercise, due not only to the complexity and different uses of the concept, but also to its holistic nature. Indeed, measuring inclusion implies analysing a variety of policy areas within education systems, while also considering the different roles of the system, the school and the classroom. This paper discusses the application of the input-process-outcome model to the measurement of inclusion in education, and key indicators that can be adopted by education systems and schools to this end. It makes considerations relevant to policy makers when designing indicators to measure inclusion, such as the extent of their application, the constraints related to data disaggregation and the relevance of intersectional approaches to inclusion. more...
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- 2023
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7. When Practice Meets Policy in Mathematics Education: A 19 Country/Jurisdiction Case Study. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 268
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Directorate for Education and Skills, Schmidt, William H., Houang, Richard T., Sullivan, William F., and Cogan, Leland S.
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The OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030 (E2030) project's overall goal is that of looking to the future in terms of how school curricula should evolve given the technological advances and other changes that societies are now facing. Towards that end, the E2030 project centres on the idea that education needs to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they need to become active, responsible and engaged citizens. Mathematics is considered a highly relevant subject for achieving the above stated goals, as such it requires further and more detailed analysis. As a result, it has been chosen as one of the E2030 project's subject-specific analyses. The project has been named the Mathematics Curriculum Document Analysis (MCDA) study as per the request of participating countries. This working paper presents the findings of the MCDA study, which involves participants from 19 countries and jurisdictions. more...
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- 2022
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8. International collaboration of early-stage researchers in nursing science: A discussion paper.
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Inkeroinen, Saija, Kangasniemi, Mari, Kukkonen, Pia, Leino-Kilpi, Helena, Pajakoski, Elina, Pellikka, Hanna-Kaisa, Puustinen, Jonna, and Uibu, Ere
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NURSING psychology ,NURSES ,INTELLECTUAL property ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,MEDICAL quality control ,GRADUATE nursing education ,LABOR productivity ,JOB security ,NURSING career counseling ,DOCTORAL programs ,PEER relations ,NURSING ,MENTORING ,PHILOSOPHY of nursing ,INTERNATIONAL relations ,RESEARCH ,LABOR demand ,ADULT education workshops ,SOCIAL networks ,ENDOWMENT of research ,CLINICAL competence ,MEDICAL research personnel ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,PUBLIC health ,VOCATIONAL guidance - Abstract
Nursing is a global profession and international collaboration of early-stage researchers (ESRs) builds their capacity as future nursing scientists. This discussion paper focuses on international collaboration of ESRs in nursing science. The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal collaboration forms and identify challenges and recommendations for supporting individual researchers and organisations to strengthen international collaboration for the ESR phase. The paper is based on previous literature and authors' experiences in the collaboration between two countries by the Baltic Sea, Estonia and Finland. In future, more discussion is needed on how to establish international partnerships and collaboration in researcher career building globally: expanded and long-term collaboration is needed to develop nursing science but also to improve nursing care, patient outcomes and, finally, to benefit society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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9. Technology-facilitated abuse within the context of intimate partner violence: Barriers to and recommendations for safety planning.
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Pentaraki, Maria and Speake, Janet
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INTIMATE partner violence ,HUMAN geography ,SOCIAL services ,BUSINESSWOMEN - Abstract
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), a consequence of structured gendered disadvantage, poses increasing harm to women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their children. This paper presents a small explorative transdisciplinary (social work and geography) study which aims to assess the knowledge of women professionals from four European countries (Estonia, Finland, Greece, and Northern Ireland) working in the area of IPV about TFA in general and in particular safety planning. The focus on safety planning is what distinguishes this research. The research findings indicate that the risk assessment of TFA is not always included in safety planning. Barriers, such as lack of professional knowledge, are reported. The paper ends with feminist insights about the risks of engaging in a reductionist approach when the focus becomes just the lack of knowledge per se, without accounting for the wider structural inequalities that exist within the context of patriarchal surveillance capitalism and which are primarily responsible for TFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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10. Effects of automation on the gender pay gap: the case of Estonia.
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Pavlenkova, Ilona, Alfieri, Luca, and Masso, Jaan
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GENDER wage gap ,PROPENSITY score matching ,AUTOMATION ,WOMEN employees ,MALE employees ,GENDER inequality ,OCCUPATIONAL retraining - Abstract
This paper investigates how investments in automation affect the gender pay gap. The evidence of the effects of automation on the labor market is growing; however, little is known about the implications of automation for the gender pay gap. The data used in this paper are from a matched employer–employee dataset incorporating detailed information on firms, their imports, and employee–level data for Estonian manufacturing and service employers for the period of 2006–2018. Through the use of the imports of automation goods as a proxy for the introduction of automation at the firm level, this paper estimates the effect of automation using simple Mincerian wage equations. The causality of the effect is further validated using propensity score matching (PSM). We find that introducing automation enlarges the gender pay gap, and PSM confirms that this also has a higher causal effect on the wages of male employees than female employees. The results imply that a higher representation of women in higher-paid positions does not guarantee a reduction in the gender pay gap in the presence of automation, and appropriate measures in education and retraining are needed to tackle the effect of automation on gender inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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11. Changes in nurses' work: A comparative study during the waves of COVID‐19 pandemic.
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Usberg, Gerli, Clari, Marco, Conti, Alessio, Põld, Mariliis, Kalda, Ruth, and Kangasniemi, Mari
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CROSS-sectional method ,NURSES ,DATA analysis ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,STATISTICAL sampling ,FISHER exact test ,NURSE-patient ratio ,NURSING ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DATA analysis software ,COVID-19 pandemic ,COVID-19 ,EMPLOYEES' workload - Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate how nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients assess changes in their work and in nursing activities during the two waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted for Estonian nurses working during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, using The impact of COVID‐19 emergency on nursing care questionnaire. Based on convenience sampling, the data were collected among the members of professional organizations, unions and associations. Responses from the first (n = 162) and second wave (n = 284) were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and McNemar's test. Results: The COVID‐19 pandemic changed the working context during both waves for nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients. Changes were considered to a greater extent during the second wave, when Estonia was severely affected, and by nurses caring for COVID patients. During the second wave, the number and complexity of patients increased, and nurses caring for COVID patients performed fundamental care, nursing techniques and symptom control significantly more frequently compared to nurses caring for non‐COVID patients. Conclusion: Taking care of COVID patients is demanding, requiring nurses to perform more direct patient care. However, the pandemic also increased the frequency of activities not related with direct patient care. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced the context of care and all dimensions of nurses' work.Despite increasing research on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nursing care, little attention has been given to differences between caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients during the different waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. What this paper adds? Nursing care for COVID patients requires from nurses more direct patient care through fundamental care activities, nursing techniques and symptom control compared to non‐COVID patients.The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses' work reflects the severity and progress of different waves of the pandemic, which needs to be considered in preparing for future pandemics.Nursing care during a pandemic may also lead to an extensive workload due to tasks not related to direct patient care as nurses contribute to the management of the pandemic on all levels of health care. The implications of this paper: The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on nursing, where the mitigation of long‐term effects of the pandemic is still ongoing, and thus, knowledge about the details of the resulting changes is required.Study findings enable us to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on nurses and to highlight aspects that need to be taken into account when preparing for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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12. The forgotten election administrator of internet voting: lessons from Estonia.
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Krivonosova, Iuliia
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VOTING ,ELECTIONS ,DEMOCRACY ,INTERNET voting - Abstract
The introduction of new voting channels, voting technologies and other voting innovations are often thought to improve voter participation in elections and democracy. However, it frequently happens at the expense of administrators, who needs to deliver even more complex elections. This article traces how the introduction of a new voting channel, Internet voting, affects frontline administrators through a qualitative in-depth case study of the 2017 local elections in Estonia. Findings show that the local election administration plays a substantial role in delivering Internet voting, despite the centralized election hierarchy. The case shows little evidence to support the expectation that Internet voting decreases the administrative burden of local election officials. The article outlines the vulnerabilities in Internet voting administration, resulting from the complexity of delivering multi-channel elections, particularly the ones integrating Internet- and paper-based voting channels. The article makes important recommendations for improving the implementation of electronic voting and improving the quality of elections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2022
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13. Middle-Income Trap and the Baltic States: Common Challenges, Different Strategies.
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Kalanta, Marius
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VALUE chains ,MANUFACTURING industries - Abstract
Copyright of Politologija is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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14. Invisible (bio)economies: a framework to assess the 'blind spots' of dominant bioeconomy models.
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Pungas, Lilian
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POWER (Social sciences) ,POSTCOLONIALISM ,PATRIARCHY ,COLONIES ,FOSTER home care - Abstract
Bioeconomy as a new promissory discourse neither challenges the paradigm of economic growth, nor questions its embeddedness in capitalist (neo-)colonial patriarchal power relations. However, the calls for a 'genuine' socio-ecological transformation and for alternative bioeconomy visions imply exactly a destabilization of these power relations. Drawing on the Bielefeld subsistence approach and on its colonialism–capitalism–patriarchy nexus, I argue that the latest bioeconomy strategy and policy papers of both the EU and Estonia each disregard certain spheres of the bioeconomy due to the three-dimensional power relations. As a seemingly neutral political discourse, the bioeconomy is shaped by cultural assumptions and narratives that determine and perpetuate what is deemed worthy of protection and what is pushed aside as merely 'natural'. As such, the current bioeconomy papers promote a 'biomass-based model of capital accumulation' that is essentially built on the prerequisite of the subordination, devaluation, appropriation and/or exploitation of (1) different geographical regions, (2) ecological foundations, and (3) prevalent bioeconomy practices. As a widespread agricultural practice in Eastern Europe, Food Self-Provisioning (FSP) serves as a good example of how predominant bioeconomy models (1) simply operate as new forms of postcolonial development discourse, instead of embracing the plurality of decolonial 'alternatives to development'; (2) deepen the human–nature dichotomy by regarding nature as a mere resource to be extracted more efficiently instead of cultivating mutually nourishing partnership-like relation(ship)s with nature; and (3) maintain the separation between monetized and maintenance economies, rather than fostering ethics of care to overcome the structural separation between the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2023
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15. E-Government as a Development Strategy: The Case of Estonia.
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Espinosa, Victor I. and Pino, Antonia
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INFORMATION & communication technologies ,PUBLIC sector ,PROPERTY rights ,TRUST ,INTERNET in public administration - Abstract
This paper examines the role of e-government (EG) in fostering economic transition and development, focusing on the Estonian case. Positioned as a development strategy, EG utilizes information and communication technologies in the public sector to enhance competitiveness and well-being. Drawing from Weberian bureaucracy, it highlights two crucial institutions: secure property rights and governance rules emphasizing transparency, trust, and security (TTS). These institutions offer a comprehensive perspective on the positive impacts of EG. The paper suggests strategies for optimizing these effects, concluding with recommendations for EG implementation and proposing avenues for further research in developing country contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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16. The pains of prison reform: Informal prisoner governance and penal subjectivities in Estonia and Lithuania.
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Slade, Gavin and Zeveleva, Olga
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PRISON reform , *PRISONERS , *PRISON system - Abstract
Building on the growing literature on the varying degrees and dimensions of prisoner governance across prison systems, this paper aims to understand how such governance, and reforms to reduce its informal influences, shape prisoner experiences in Estonia and Lithuania. Estonia has limited the influence of prisoner governance through the creation of a cell-based prison system, while Lithuania has maintained penal colonies in which prisoners largely self-govern. Utilizing a metaphor approach to the pains of imprisonment, we offer the concept of an imposition gradient to capture variation in the experience of the weight and tightness produced by both prison authorities and prisoners themselves across our cases. The paper makes three contributions: first, it aims to explicitly assess the relationship between varieties of prisoner governance and penal subjectivities. Second, it rethinks the relatively static metaphors of weight and tightness as fluid and dynamic experiences shaped by the degrees of prisoner governance present within prison systems and particular spaces of particular prisons. Third, the paper speaks to recent appeals to develop comparative research into varieties of imprisonment regimes, deepening comparative theories of prison order across the Global North and South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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17. Joining and exiting the value chain of foreign multinationals and performance of their local suppliers: evidence from interfirm transaction data.
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Masso, Jaan and Vahter, Priit
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INDUSTRIAL productivity ,VALUE chains ,PROPENSITY score matching ,VALUE-added tax ,SUPPLIERS ,INTERNATIONAL business enterprises - Abstract
This paper investigates the productivity effects for domestic suppliers from joining and exiting the value chains of foreign-owned multinational enterprises (MNEs). Our econometric analysis is based on firm-to-firm transactions recorded in the value-added tax declarations' data from Estonia and use of propensity score matching and difference-in-difference regression approach. The treatment analysis based on period 2015–2019 suggests that starting to supply the foreign-owned firms initially boosts the value added per employee of the domestic firms, including the effects on the scale of production and the capital–labor ratio. These first linkages to the foreign-owned MNEs do not affect the total factor productivity (TFP) of domestic firms, suggesting that the TFP effects take time to materialize. We find no significant positive effects on the second-tier suppliers: the positive effects are limited to the first-tier suppliers with direct links to foreign-owned firms. One novel result is the evidence that the productivity of suppliers does not fall, on average, after decreasing or ending supplier relationships with the foreign-owned firms. However, this average effect hides significant heterogeneity. Domestic firms with prior high levels of productivity and those at the time of exit from the MNE relationship start to export, gain in productivity in next periods, whereas the firms with low prior productivity levels lose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2023
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18. Level 4 commercial autonomous vehicle control system transition to an open-source solution.
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Pikner, Heiko, Sell, Raivo, and Malayjerdi, Ehsan
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COMMERCIAL vehicles ,SHUTTLE services ,CYBER physical systems ,AUTONOMOUS vehicles ,BRAKE systems - Abstract
Copyright of Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences is the property of Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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19. Robot bus low-level control system transformation to an open-source solution.
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Pikner, Heiko, Sell, Raivo, and Gu, Junyi
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SHUTTLE services ,ROBOTS ,TEST reliability ,RELIABILITY in engineering ,BUSES ,BRAKE systems - Abstract
This paper presents an approach to transfer the whole set of low-level control systems from one robot bus i.e. autonomous shuttle to another one that has different specifications in electronics and mechanical perspectives. In this work, we executed a series of experiments to test the reliability and safety of the autonomous shuttle after transferring the critical control systems related to the steering and brakes into the shuttle. To fulfill the requirements to register an autonomous shuttle as a legal vehicle on the road in Estonia, we carried out several vital tests of the shuttle's low-level control system. For example, we manually disconnected the different subsystems to simulate the sudden failure to check whether the shuttle acts with the corresponding protocols (i.e., when the steering Control Area Network fails, the shuttle should initiate the braking and cut off the high-voltage power). This paper proves the possibility of transferring the low-level control systems between the different models of the autonomous shuttle without risking encountering safety/reliability-related issues. Our open-source solution will be helpful for the practical promotion and commercialization of autonomous shuttles in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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20. When cultural reproduction overshadows personal transformation: the case of Russian schools teachers in Estonia.
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Zaichenko, Liudmila
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CULTURAL production theory (Education) , *RUSSIAN schools , *MINORITY teachers , *CULTURAL maintenance - Abstract
The success with which minority teachers cope with socio-cultural integration indicates their transformative agency. However, teachers' ideational projects, which are converted into a set of established practices, are tightly connected with their ideologies. In this case what they transform is not a matter of integration for them but is irrevocably intertwined with protecting their own culture. Applying a symbolic interactionist methodological lens and Archer's 'social morphogenesis' explanatory framework, in this qualitative research I aim to examine the unique educational context of Estonia. Schools with Russian as the language of instruction co-exist with schools where instruction is in the national language. The paper explores the mechanisms that stand behind the social agency of minority teachers and why their practices are considered 'morphostatic' for the whole education system. The paper concludes that these teachers' agency is culturally mediated and their strategies are reflexive and morphogenetic in nature, even though they don't lead to integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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21. Small powers as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: A case study of the Baltic States.
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Gailišs, Eduards
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POWER (Social sciences) ,JOURNALISTS - Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to identify how small powers can make a difference by taking up a role at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as non-permanent members. This research takes a closer look at the Baltic states, Lithuania and Estonia, and give a perspective for Latvia too. This paper examines whether these states use strategies that have made other small powers successful at the Security Council. Most of the materials used were documents from foreign services and the UNSC, and the methods employed were qualitative document analysis and interview. Lithuania was successful at making resolutions and highlighted topics, such as small arms and protection of journalists, whereas Estonia was successful at agenda setting and highlighted cyber security and environment security. Small powers can successfully work at the UNSC by setting the agenda and working on resolutions. However, their time as part of the UNSC is limited and their abilities to solve military conflicts depend on the support of the great powers. The Baltic states used some strategies that other small powers have successfully used, although they lacked influence for mediation and coalition building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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22. The Significance of Scouting in Contemporary Society: A Defence Perspective from the Baltic States.
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Dvorak, Jaroslav and Staśkiewicz, Urszula
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MODERN society ,RESEARCH questions - Abstract
The article presents the results of the research into the participation of scouts and scouting associations present in three countries. Three Baltic states (BS) - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - have been chosen as the subject of the research. The goal of this paper was to answer the questions of how the scouts perceive their role in the national defensive education system, and what the older scouts want to teach the youth. Based on this, we have attempted an appraisal of whether - and to what degree - scouting organizations contribute to increasing the level of defensive education in a given community. The paper has avoided strictly system-wide solutions, as the latter form a mere backdrop for the results of the research. In order to achieve the goal of the current research, the following research questions were formulated: Does participation in a scouting association represent a form of defensive education? Are the skills obtained from one's membership in them helping increase the mentioned indicators? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
23. Runaway Serfs in 17th-Century Estland and Livland.
- Author
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Tammisto, Peeter
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EARLY modern history ,COURT records ,LABOR supply ,URBAN history ,NOBILITY (Social class) - Abstract
Adscripti glebae is a condition where peasants legally belong to a particular landholding. Its purpose was to maintain a stable labour force at the disposal of the landholder. Peasants who did not abide by this immobility requirement were termed runaways. Runaways have been episodically mentioned in medieval and early modern social history, particularly in demographic history, urban history, and histories of serfdom. Yet they have rarely been the central focus of historical studies. This paper examines the runaway on the background of the particular conditions of serfdom in the provinces of Estland and Livland. The paper describes how serfdom was practiced in these provinces, proceeds to peasant agency by considering the numerous diverse reasons for running away and outlines the reasoning behind the efforts of both nobility and government aimed at maintaining the status quo. The court records of a few extradition cases are highlighted to illustrate aspects of the issue of keeping serfs bound to the land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
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24. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOLDOVA AND ESTONIA AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FINANCING.
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ANDRONIC, Adrian
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DIGITAL transformation ,SUSTAINABLE investing ,DIGITAL technology ,COMPARATIVE education ,INFORMATION technology industry ,DIGITAL literacy - Abstract
This paper explores the digital transformation of education in Moldova, with a comparative analysis of Estonia's successful experience in this area. First, the article provides an overview of the current status of digital transformation in education in Moldova and identifies critical challenges in financing this process. Next, the Education Strategy 2030 in Moldova, which aims to improve the functionality of the educational system through the effective implementation of digital technologies to ensure the quality and sustainability of education, is discussed. The success factors of digital transformation in education in Estonia, including government support, high levels of digital literacy, a strong IT sector, and a culture of innovation and experimentation, are identified. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for financing digital transformation in education in Moldova, including allocating a specific portion of the state budget, seeking funding from international organizations and donors, and exploring opportunities for educational institutions to generate income. The implications for policy and practice and suggestions for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
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25. Little Miss Strange: Online Education for Empowering Women from Under-Represented Groups
- Author
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Vladan Devedzic, Mirjana Devedzic, Sonja D. Radenkovic, and Marija Blagojevic
- Abstract
In many countries, opportunities for higher education are reduced for some under-represented groups in society. One such group are young women from rural and underdeveloped areas who due to traditional, patriarchal lifestyles have much less chance to go to college and get education that their peers from urban areas have much more access to. Online education opens doors for these women, but they still need support and guidance. WINnovators, a 3-year EU Erasmus+ project started in late 2021, has made steps towards providing such support and guidance. It focuses on providing online learning content in different areas of STEM/STEAM and aims at encouraging young women from rural areas to go through such content, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and possibly come up with ideas of how to start their own businesses. Of course, this vision largely contradicts traditional lifestyles. Still, it creates some chance for at least partial leveling with other groups in society. To provide guidance to these women, university students guide them in using the online learning content and taking the learning challenges that eventually lead to raising their awareness of how to break on through to the other side. The paper explains this process and illustrates it by a case study. [For the complete proceedings, see ED655360.] more...
- Published
- 2023
26. Professional Training in the Beekeeping Sector: Characterization and Identification of Needs
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Raquel P. F. Guiné and Cristina A. Costa
- Abstract
The beekeeping sector is demanding, requires knowledge and updated information to be able to deal with the challenges related with climate change, food scarcity, stress, pollution, and other harmful effects from the surrounding environment. Hence, this work intended to make a characterization of the needs in professional training in the beekeeping sector and how these needs can be fulfilled through courses and other actions to help beekeepers to maintain updated. The work was carried out in seven European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Total), and the data was collected through a questionnaire survey, translated into the native languages in all the participating countries. The results revealed that the topics of highest interest for the beekeepers were apiary health and pest control and also colony management throughout the year. The most relevant sources of information were family and professional training/courses. The most valued forms of training were in-person and in workplace/internships, although the digital supporting resources were preferred instead of printed material. The learning materials most valued were videos but also books/paper manuals were considered relevant. The field visits were also greatly appreciated by the participants, and the most preferred assessment format was the realization of practical exercises. In conclusion, this work produced valuable information that can be utilized to design training actions and courses to the professionals in the beekeeping sector to enhance their knowledge and better prepare them to manage successfully their activities. [For the full proceedings, see ED654100.] more...
- Published
- 2023
27. Capacity Building across Higher Education and Rural Youth in WINnovators Space
- Author
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Kai Pata, Kristi Jüristo, Matej Zapušek, Nathalie Leiba, Sanja Popovic Pantic, Vladan Devedzic, Sonja Radenkovic, Mirjana Devedzic, Marija Blagojevic, and Danijela Miloševic
- Abstract
This paper demonstrates the design as a hypothesis framework for developing cross-university students and mentors, and rural youth (aged 18-30) and regional business ecosystems capacity building practice approaches to support sustainable development goals. To support university students', mentors and the business partners' engagement and building agency and capacity with regional rural young women a gamified learning and co-working WINnovators Space (https://winnovators-space.eu/) with e-learning materials for self-learning and entrepreneurial mentored group challenges was developed. The Pilot study validates the capacity building practice approach with WINnovator Space in three countries involving young rural women, higher education students, academic and business mentors -- Estonia (30), Slovenia (35), Serbia (25). [For the full proceedings, see ED636095.] more...
- Published
- 2023
28. Ethnomusicology: A Valuable Lens for Viewing Culture.
- Author
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Li, Brian
- Subjects
ETHNOMUSICOLOGY ,ANTHROPOLOGISTS ,CULTURE - Abstract
Music is an integral part of culture and human societies, which anthropologists study. What makes music so potent is its ability to contain values, reflect perspectives, and fill niches of societal needs. In this paper, I will discuss how ethnomusicology aids scholars in a deeper understanding of contexts, perspectives, and values in music and the experiences of the people who created it. I will analyze the relationships between music and technique, ritual, and religion in seven case studies. Drawing from examples from "right" singing in Estonia, the choral works of Stravinsky, Ambonwari rituals, ritual wailing in Amerindian Brazil, the maqam, syncretism in Southeast Asia, and Tamil Christian religious music, I will show how ethnomusicology uncovers understanding of the cosmology, values, and socio-cultural interactions of a people and their culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Measuring the effects of borrower-based policies on new housing loans.
- Author
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Kukk, Merike and Levenko, Natalia
- Subjects
HOUSING ,LOANS ,FINANCIAL policy ,HOUSING policy ,PERSONAL loans - Abstract
The paper evaluates the outcomes of the borrower-based macroprudential policy measures that were introduced in Estonia in 2015. The core of the analysis is the response of the credit market in 2016–2021 to the upper limit on the debt service-to-income ratio for new housing loans. The paper employs a novel data-driven approach based on the distribution of loan-level data, which does not need to account for the changes in the macroeconomic environment, and which allows the analysis to be made under assumptions that are more flexible than those usually used in the literature. The average number of borrowers affected, meaning those who were rejected or got a smaller loan than they wanted, is estimated to be on average around 11 per cent of the total number of new loans, which translates into roughly 10 per cent of the volume of new loans. The effect is fairly stable over the whole period despite the volume of housing loans growing in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
30. Opportunities to develop student's math-related agency in primary education: the role of teacher beliefs.
- Author
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Leijen, Äli, Baucal, Aleksandar, Pikk, Kristi, Uibu, Krista, Pajula, Liisi, and Sõrmus, Maarja
- Subjects
TEACHER role ,PRIMARY education ,TEACHER educators ,MATHEMATICS teachers ,TEACHER education ,MATH anxiety - Abstract
Teacher beliefs and practices related to them could provide varying opportunities for students to develop their agency related to learning math. The aim of the current paper is to explore how different math teacher beliefs (concerning the nature of mathematics, constructivist beliefs, and self-efficacy) relate to different dimensions of student agency in primary education. A two-level multilevel model was analyzed to find out to what extent selected teacher beliefs are associated with student math competence and agency dimensions. The study was conducted in Estonia and data from 3rd and 4th grade students (N = 1557) and their teachers (N = 121) was included in the analysis. The results showed that teacher self-efficacy beliefs, constructivist beliefs, and static views on the nature of mathematics were related to students' agency dimensions. Possible explanations and directions for further studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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31. Am I a math person? Linking math identity with students' motivation for mathematics and achievement.
- Author
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Radišić, Jelena, Krstić, Ksenija, Blažanin, Barbara, Mićić, Katarina, Baucal, Aleksandar, Peixoto, Francisco, and Schukajlow, Stanislaw
- Subjects
ACADEMIC motivation ,EXPECTANCY-value theory ,MATHEMATICS students ,ACHIEVEMENT motivation ,MATHEMATICS ,SCHOOL children - Abstract
Based on the expectancy-value perspective on identity and identity formation, this paper explores the relationship between math identity (MI) and the dimensions of motivation (i.e. intrinsic value, attainment value, utility value and perceived competence) and math achievement in primary school. An additional aim of our research was to explore these relationships in different cultural contexts and investigate potential gender and grade differences concerning MI. The participants were 11,782 primary school students from Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Portugal and Serbia. All predictors from the motivation spectrum were significant for students' MI across the examined countries and had a stronger association with MI than math achievement. Among the motivational dimensions, intrinsic value had the strongest association with students' MI. Boys had significantly more positive math identities than girls in Estonia, Finland, Norway and Portugal. The results showed that the grade 4 students perceived themselves less as "math persons" than their grade 3 peers in all countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
32. Relative factor endowments, foreign direct investment and tax planning of multinational firms: an empirical investigation into cross-country data.
- Author
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Cieślik, Andrzej and Gurshev, Oleg
- Subjects
FOREIGN investments ,DIRECT taxation ,TAX planning ,ENDOWMENTS ,BUSINESS enterprises - Abstract
This paper studies the impact of relative endowments of skilled labour and physical capital on the location choices of multinational firms (MNEs). We demonstrate potential methodological issues and possible solutions related to the identification of vertical MNE activity when using aggregate country-level data. To support our analysis, we introduce data matching and various assumptions with respect to the degree of profit shifting activities of MNEs that we apply to study unilateral inward foreign direct investment (FDI) across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Our choice of data is motivated by various legislation gaps, taxation specificities, and growing equity stocks in sectors related to profit shifting in the aforementioned economies. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of international tax differences and the growing discrepancy between real and reported cross-country FDI data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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33. "Access Denied" – Interpreting the Digital Divide by Examining the Right of Prisoners to Access the Internet in the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights.
- Author
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Lendvai, Gergely Ferenc and Gosztonyi, Gergely
- Subjects
INTERNET access ,DIGITAL divide ,EUROPEAN law ,EUROPEAN Convention on Human Rights ,LEGAL professions ,PRISONERS' rights - Abstract
The present paper aims to investigate prisoners' rights to use and access the Internet, focusing on the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The study's principal objective is to assess the fundamental rights aspects of Internet access, particularly within the context of relevant EU legislation, and to interpret how the digital divide impacts prisoners. The study primarily relies on a thorough review of pertinent literature and legal materials, and it incorporates case studies from Estonia, Lithuania and Türkiye to contextualize the literature findings within specific legal jurisdictions. The research findings suggest that prisoners' Internet access should be evaluated in accordance with fundamental rights, including Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Regarding the digital divide, the study concludes that limiting prisoners' access to the Internet could exacerbate the already existing societal gap, potentially hindering their reintegration into society. The particular focus on the above three countries stems from the fact that as per the precedent of the ECtHR, only four countries are involved in cases concerning restriction of access to the Internet (Estonia, Lithuania, Türkiye and Russia); however, Russia ceased to be a party of the European Convention on Human Rights, so analyzing the future of the issue of Internet acces there is highly limited. Our research contributes significantly to the literature on the digital divide, particularly in terms of its legal implications. The study's comprehensive approach, which integrates both theoretical and practical aspects, is beneficial for domestic legal professionals and researchers engaged in interdisciplinary investigations of EU law and fundamental rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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34. State Participation in Funded Pension Systems in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries.
- Author
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Mečkovski, Jaroslav, Gudaitis, Tadas, Medaiskis, Teodoras, and Poškutė, Virginija
- Subjects
PENSIONS ,PUBLIC finance ,PARTICIPATION ,POPULATION aging ,PENSION reform ,OLD age pensions - Abstract
CEE countries introduced funded pensions in the early 2000s. The stated objectives of funded pensions were to diversify old age pension income, to attract additional financing sources to pension systems, to assure adequate income for future retirees, and to balance future state obligations in aging societies. The state in CEE countries encouraged participation in funded pensions with the help of several incentives. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the costs and benefits for public finance of state participation in the funded schemes in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The results show that the fiscal costs of state participation do not exceed future benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
35. Smart tourism and cultural heritage in the Baltic states: exploring strategies and tools for sustainable development.
- Author
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Berjozkina, Galina and Kuruvilla, Kenny James
- Subjects
HERITAGE tourism ,DOMESTIC tourism ,SUSTAINABLE development ,CULTURAL property ,HISTORIC sites ,WEBSITES - Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to examine and analyse data relating to cultural heritage, smart tourism and smart tourism tools for preserving cultural heritage in the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a qualitative review of data from National tourism board web sites, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, and the European Heritage Label sites. The paper analyses various sources in terms of cultural heritage and smart tourism and examines different ways of applying smart tourism tools to cultural heritage. Findings: The findings show that smart tourism, and especially the preservation of cultural heritage in the Baltic states, is not a new thing, and it is rapidly progressing by inventing new technological tools for tourists to use and as well by digitising cultural heritage. Comprehensive examination of three countries shows that there is significant potential already and that there is a way to grow further for each of the countries by applying new technological tools for preservation of a cultural heritage. Originality/value: The paper reviews data on cultural heritage and smart tourism tools in the Baltic states where it already plays a steady and significant role. Specifically, it contributes to recognition of each of the states on a global level in terms of variety of cultural heritage that is being preserved and digitalised. The originality of the paper is determined by the assessment of the smart tools used for cultural tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Smart tourism: what developments and issues are important to the Baltic states?
- Author
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Garanti, Zanete, Berjozkina, Galina, and Zvaigzne, Anda
- Subjects
TOURISM ,SMART cities ,SUSTAINABLE tourism - Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to provide a summary of the key outcomes and reflections related to the theme issue question, "Smart tourism: what developments and issues are important to the Baltic states?" Design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes a descriptive approach to summarize the key outcomes of the theme issue. The theme issue focuses on the problems, trends and developments of smart tourism in the Baltic states, namely, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Findings: The papers in the theme issue explore the emerging concept of smart tourism and the challenges associated with its implementation at the destination level. They also provide updated data on the adoption of smart tourism and aim to engage academics and industry professionals to identify future developments. Originality/value: This theme issue provides unique perspectives from a variety of stakeholders, including academics, practitioners, industry professionals and policymakers on the key issues, trends and developments shaping the emergence of smart tourism in the Baltic states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Automated Decision-Making in The EU Member State's Public Administration: The Compliance of Automated Decisions of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund with Estonian Administrative Procedure Law.
- Author
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Zolkin, Vladlen, Chochia, Archil, and Hoffmann, Thomas
- Subjects
UNEMPLOYMENT insurance ,INSURANCE funding ,PUBLIC administration ,ADMINISTRATIVE law ,ADMINISTRATIVE procedure ,PERSONALLY identifiable information ,CHIEF information officers - Abstract
Automated process control has been used for a long time. Innovation and information technology achievements have made it possible to use automation in the State governance. Algorithm-based automated decisions are integral part of the concept of e-Government. Automated decisions are becoming more and more prevalent in modern society of the EU. Using automated decisions in public administration is a challenge for Administrative Law, because it has to evolve and keep up with the usage of new technologies, keep the legal balance between the cost-efficiency and operational flexibility of the State in general and at the same time ensure the protection of rights of individuals in each Member State and in the EU as a whole. Estonia is EU Member State and its public sector uses automated decisions but there are no direct legal provisions regarding what automated decision is, what are the conditions for issuing them, what are the safeguards to avoid the violation of rights of individuals etc. The right to issue automated decision is based only on the authorisation norm stipulated in a specific act regulating the field of activity of administrative authority. The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund is one of the administrative authorities which issues automated decisions in its field of activity. The aim of this paper is to examine and find out whether the automated decisions used by Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund comply with the general principles of administrative procedure and the EU rules on data protection but also to identify aspects where legal adjustment is needed and propose legislative amendments. The paper is based on the analysis of relevant scientific books, articles, legal acts, supported by relevant case law and other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Zooarchaeological evidence for the exploitation of birds in medieval and early modern Estonia (ca 1200-1800).
- Author
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Ehrlich, Freydis, Aguraiuja-Lätti, Ülle, and Haak, Arvi
- Subjects
ZOOARCHAEOLOGY ,BLACK grouse ,STABLE isotope analysis ,BIRD classification ,BIRD communities ,SPECIES diversity ,SOCIAL status - Abstract
Copyright of Estonian Journal of Archaeology is the property of Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Remembering Jimmy Carter and his Contribution to the Role of Psychoanalysis in World Affairs.
- Author
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Volkan, Vamık D.
- Subjects
PSYCHOANALYSIS ,HOSPICE care ,MEMORY ,GROUP psychoanalysis - Abstract
In February 2023 98-year-old former President Jimmy Carter entered hospice care and began spending his remaining time at home with his family. This paper describes his personal, and The Carter Center's financial, support for applying psychoanalytic approaches to understanding and calming large-group conflicts in Estonia and Albania and helping to enrich psychoanalytic knowledge of large-group psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Baltic Conferences on History of Science: Documenting the History of Science of the Baltic Countries in 1958-2019.
- Author
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Miknienė, Giedrė and Railienė, Birutė
- Subjects
HISTORY of science ,SCIENCE conferences ,PHILOSOPHY of science ,CONFERENCES & conventions ,HISTORY associations - Abstract
The first attempt to bring together the historians of science from the Baltic States took place in Riga in 1958. Prof. Pauls Stradiņš (1896-1958) initiated and organised a joint meeting for historians of science from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania under the supervision of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. A program for future joint activities was developed, and the tradition of joint conferences--the Baltic Conference on History of Science (BCHS)--in each country followed. In 1991, the Baltic Association of the History and Philosophy of Science (BAHPS), uniting historians and philosophers of science of independent Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, took over organising the BCHS. The article aims to present an overview of the published results of the conference, which is partly based on the annotated bibliography (1958-1985) of the conference. The authors analyse the subject, dissemination and tradition of the BCHS, and discuss the role of academic institutions in organising the events. Since the overview was inspired by a decision to gather a complete set of books of conference abstracts, it also resulted in recommendations for conference organisers. Between 1958 and 2019, twenty-nine conferences were organised and 2,880 papers were presented. The next conference will take place in Finland in 2022. The main ideas of the article were presented at the 26th International Congress on History and Philosophy of Science in Prague in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Customer-Based Brand Equity Drivers: A Leading Brand of Beer in Estonia.
- Author
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Coudounaris, Dafnis N., Björk, Peter, Mets, Tõnis, Asadli, Rustam, and Bujac, Andreea I.
- Subjects
BRAND name products ,BRAND image ,BRAND equity ,CONFIRMATORY factor analysis ,BRANDING (Marketing) ,CONVENIENCE sampling (Statistics) ,CONSUMER psychology - Abstract
Based on the trust/commitment theory and the customer-based brand equity theory, this study aims to ascertain which of the brand equity drivers of A. Le Coq beer have an impact on attachment and its overall brand equity in the Estonian brewery market. In order to achieve this goal, an empirical study was conducted based on the 17 customer-based/consumer-based brand equity models: the 15 brand equity models, including the beer/beverage brand equity models, the 2 internal brand equity models, as well as 3 other related models. The study utilised a sample of convenience of 120 University of Tartu students. The questionnaire was placed on Google's online survey administration service. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) through AMOS29 was used for testing the fit of the model and covariances (through AMOS29) were used for testing the hypotheses. Additionally, t-test analysis was used for the differences in the means between the demographic characteristics and the items of the model. The results show that brand meaning has a strong positive effect on attachment strength, which significantly influences relationship factors—commitment, trust, and satisfaction. Another major finding is that the relationship factors—commitment, trust, and satisfaction—play a significant role in the development of the brand equity of A. Le Coq beer. This study provides useful insights for brewery marketing managers by exploiting the strong positive relationships found between beer brand equity drivers, such as the strong positive relationships found within consumers of beer, i.e., the relationships between brand reputation and brand image, brand meaning and attachment strength, attachment strength and commitment, attachment strength and satisfaction, attachment strength and trust, satisfaction and brand equity, commitment and brand equity, and trust and brand equity. This finding contributes to the literature on brand equity related to the Estonian environment. Five differences in demographic characteristics seem to play a role in designing strategies by the management teams of different brands for increasing the consumption of their competing brands of beer. A replication of a model previously used for a non-product is part of the novelty of this paper. In addition, all the examined relationships are found to be positive and significant, which provides a contribution to the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Are Organic Farms Less Efficient? The Case of Estonian Dairy Farms.
- Author
-
Fertő, Imre, Bakucs, Zoltán, Viira, Ants-Hannes, Aleksandrova, Olha, Luik-Lindsaar, Helis, and Omel, Raul
- Subjects
- *
ORGANIC farming , *DAIRY farms , *ORGANIC dairy farming , *FARM size , *MILK yield , *APPROPRIATE technology , *AGRICULTURAL technology - Abstract
The paper investigates the technical efficiency of conventional and organic dairy farms in Estonia in the period 2006-2015 using Farm Accountancy Data Network. We analyse self-selection into organic farming using the propensity-score-matching approach and explicitly test the hypothesis that organic and conventional farms apply homogeneous technology. We find that organic farms are less efficient. However, the difference in technical efficiency between organic and conventional farms decreases substantially when the technical efficiency assessment incorporates the use of the appropriate technology. The lack of growth of technical efficiency over time indicates that there might be a lack of knowledge in organic milk production that hinders its development. Since technical efficiency increases with farm size, it is important that organic dairy farms increase their scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Mortality transition in the interwar Baltic states: findings from cross-country comparison of new life tables.
- Author
-
Norkus, Zenonas, Jasilionis, Domantas, Grytten, Ola Honningdal, Mežs, Ilmārs, and Klesment, Martin
- Subjects
LIFE expectancy ,LIFE tables ,DEMOGRAPHIC transition ,INTERWAR Period (1918-1939) ,FERTILITY decline ,MORTALITY - Abstract
This paper is the first comparative analysis of mortality transition, as part of the demographic transition, in all the three Baltic countries during the interwar period. We address the following research questions: Which type of mortality transition is exemplified by the interwar Baltic countries' mortality patterns? Was the mortality transition completed already before WWII? What were Baltic cross-country differences in the advancement of mortality and demographic transitions? We present and use newly constructed life tables for Lithuania, 1925–1934, and draw on the work of the Estonian demographer Kalev Katus (1955–2008), publishing for the first time his life tables for Latvia in 1925–1938. Main findings: The three countries were part of the Western model of mortality transition. However, the reduction of infant and childhood mortality was lagging in Lithuania. Women of childbearing age in Estonia and mainland Latvia, as a result of earlier fertility decline, experienced longer life expectancy due to the decreased mortality from birth complications. Nevertheless, in all three countries mortality transition was still incomplete by WWII. A comparison of death causes in 1925–1939 serves to corroborate the last conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Application of Shore Sediments Accumulated in Navigation Channel for Restoration of Sandy Beaches around Pärnu City, SW Estonia, Baltic Sea.
- Author
-
Tõnisson, Hannes, Männikus, Rain, Kont, Are, Palginõmm, Valdeko, Alari, Victor, Suuroja, Sten, Vaasma, Tiit, and Vilumaa, Kadri
- Subjects
COASTAL zone management ,BEACHES ,SEDIMENTS ,SEDIMENT transport ,EROSION ,FIELD research ,OCEAN bottom - Abstract
Sandy beaches high in recreation value make up 16% of the over 4000 km long shoreline of Estonia. The shore processes associated with climate change have remarkably accelerated over recent decades. Many sandy shores have suffered from strong erosion, including an excellent former beach at Valgeranna. The jetties, which were built in the 1860s to protect the navigation channel of Port Pärnu from clogging, have prevented natural sediment transport along the coast from south to north. At the same time, the sandy beach in Pärnu is expanding, and part of the sand accumulates with strong storms also in between the jetties, reducing the width of the shipping channel. The channel needs regular dredging, but, so far, the dredged sediment has been taken far away to the open sea and accumulated on the seabed. The current paper addresses the possibilities of using that sand for beach restoration in destructed and eroded areas. An overview of the applied methods and measurements during field studies is given. The results of modelling the processes of wave activity and sediment transport are discussed. The recycling of shore sediments is an important measure in sustainable coastal zone management. Different options and scenarios are analysed in order to find the most reasonable ways to bring sand back onto beaches and stabilize natural processes. Support from the state by working out respective laws and regulations would be motivating as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Comparison of the ecotoxic properties of oil shale industry by-products to those of coal ash.
- Author
-
Lees, Heidi, Järvik, Oliver, Konist, Alar, Siirde, Andres, and Maaten, Birgit
- Subjects
OIL shales ,SHALE oils ,SHALE industry ,COAL ash ,THERMAL coal ,PETROLEUM industry ,HAZARDOUS wastes - Abstract
The European Union (EU) presented a uniform List of Waste (LoW) in 2000 and last updated the technical guidance in 2018. The respective local regulations for the classification of waste in Estonia were set in 2015. Due to the changes in the regulations, it was necessary to review the properties of solid wastes generated in Estonian oil shale industry in light of hazardous properties. Therefore, the properties of the produced ash streams were analysed and the obtained results were compared to those for coal for being in accordance with common practices. The main objective of the paper was to answer the question whether the properties of oil shale (OS) are comparable to those of coal as coal and its combustion residues were not considered hazardous waste in Europe, but the respective counterparts of oil shale were. The EU guidelines suggest the use of calculations based on trace element concentrations for the classification of hazardous property (HP) 14 - ecotoxic. Therefore, an extensive study was conducted to investigate the hazardous properties of all the solid residues from power plants operating on oil shale and shale oil production facilities. This paper describes one part of it - the trace element compositions of the major ash streams produced in the Estonian oil shale industry and focuses on their comparison with data available for coal ash samples. The findings of the study showed that, similarly to coal, oil shale ash (OSA) should not be considered as ecotoxic due to the low concentrations of trace elements. It was found that the investigated oil shale ash samples exhibited a very similar composition and properties to those of coal, and as a result of a larger study, from the beginning of 2020, oil shale ash and other oil shale thermal treatment residues are not classified as hazardous waste in Estonia, thereby initiating policy changes that affect most areas of the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. The role of open government data and co-creation in crisis management: Initial conceptual propositions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
-
McBride, Keegan, Nikiforova, Anastasija, and Lnenicka, Martin
- Subjects
CRISIS management ,TRANSPARENCY in government ,COVID-19 pandemic ,CUSTOMER cocreation ,PUBLIC value - Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, open government data (OGD) was often used as a valuable crisis management resource. Unfortunately, there is limited research that explores how OGD can be used during times of crisis as a crisis management tool. To ensure that OGD can be used effectively in future crises, there is a need to understand how it may be used and what benefits its usage may bring. This paper brings new insight into this topic by conducting a comparative exploratory case study of three Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries – Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia, where OGD was used at different levels to help manage different aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this research, three contributions are made: (1) it integrates OGD into previous crisis management literature, offering new and initial conceptual propositions; (2) it demonstrates how OGD enables the co-creation of new services that create public value during times of crisis; and (3) it provides empirical examples of OGD-driven co-created services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Towards an understanding of how a higher education institution can enhance the impact of social enterprises through incubation.
- Author
-
Lepik, Katri-Liis and Sakarias, Eliisa
- Subjects
SOCIAL enterprises ,UNIVERSITIES & colleges ,SOCIAL impact ,SOCIAL entrepreneurship ,SOCIAL services - Abstract
Social entrepreneurship is a relatively new concept in Estonia and measuring the social impact of enterprises is not yet the norm. It has gained more awareness during recent years and therefore several support instruments have been established. The aim of the paper is to provide a framework for impact analysis of an incubator and analysis of the evaluation of the program for social enterprises according to the designed framework. The incubation program itself was piloted at a higher education institution. The paper addresses the concept of social enterprises, new social venture creation, incubation by a higher education institution and its impact on social enterprises. While the development of enterprises is a common topic, the research on social impact incubators is still scarce. The study is characterised by a descriptive and an exploratory study design. The paper explores the social enterprise incubator through mixed-method two-stage content analysis of the applications and self-analysis reports of the participants of the incubator. In the process of the content analysis, qualitative data analysis is used. Finally, the paper concludes that the incubator was successful as it helped the social enterprises to become sustainable and enhanced their social impact. The limitation of the research is the evaluation design which addresses measuring the successfulness of the incubation immediately after the end of the programme and not in the long-term. The study contributes to the literature on measuring the successfulness of incubation processes and on the practice of incubating new social ventures with social impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Decentralized Information Platforms in Public Governance: Reconstruction of the Modern Democracy or Comfort Blinding?
- Author
-
Kud, Aleksandr
- Subjects
DIGITAL technology ,DEMOCRACY ,PARTICIPATION ,POLITICAL participation ,MUNICIPAL services ,SOCIAL values - Abstract
The paper offers the author's vision of the political and organizational problem of using modern blockchain-based platform solutions in public governance. The aim is substantiating potential of decentralized information platforms as a new tool of public governance to promote conscious participation of people in public politics and democracy. Based on the study of the experience of the UK, Estonia, India, and Ukraine in platform governance, the author asserts that the modern world practice of using centralized digital platforms is conditioned by the comfort for citizens as the main value, thereby replacing the real democratic values. The paper offers an original comparison of 15 key parameters of platforms and author's comparison of decentralized platforms with two other main forms of providing public administrative services by criteria as functionality, security, and cost. Unlike promising decentralized platforms, government centralized platforms are a mechanism for removing citizens from conscious governance by their states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Mnemonic security and post-Soviet aphasia: Soviet monuments in Estonian media after Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Author
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Yatsyk, Alexandra and Sazonov, Vladimir
- Subjects
- *
MNEMONICS , *RUSSIAN invasion of Ukraine, 2022- , *GROUP identity , *COLLECTIVE memory - Abstract
The present paper analyses the public debates in Estonia related to the Soviet-era monuments in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine from the perspective of the 'mnemonic security'. The latter concept implies a policy that makes certain historical memories 'secure by delegitimizing or outright criminalizing others' (Mälksoo 2015:221). In this context, the analytical focus is on such research questions as how a common past is remembered in a democratic society, and which groups adopt contrarian collective memories, including one that potentially endangers the identity of the titular nation. What makes it possible is a strategy that Mälksoo attributes to the Ukrainian society that is seeking self-emancipation. If applied to Estonia, this self-emancipation refers primarily to the domestic issues, aiming to erase the references to the Soviet (Russia-style) meanings in the collective identity of Russian-speakers in Estonia and to re-invent the new ones, grounded in pre-Soviet times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2025
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Ethnic segregation of consumption in Estonia: mythologies and practices.
- Author
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Astapova, Anastasiya
- Subjects
CONSUMPTION (Economics) ,SEGREGATION ,MINORITY consumers ,MARKETING strategy ,ETHNIC differences - Abstract
The segregation of consumption between the Russian- and Estonian-speaking populations residing in Estonia has been common knowledge in the popular imagination, mass media publications, and academic papers. Rather than undertaking an impossible mission to identify whether these narratives are true, in this article, I show how this repertoire of stories has fostered special marketing strategies and document the emergence of a special marketing niche of companies promising to teach how to market products to mainstream or minority consumers based on their presumed mental differences. Deriving from ethnographic fieldwork, I demonstrate how mythologies about ethnic segregation in consumption paradoxically result in integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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