Research on community-based tourism encompasses urban and rural landscapes, the local architectural heritage, local traditions and customs, ethnography, historical events, cultural preservation events, and biographical studies of notable local people. This body of knowledge encourages communities to conduct systematic research, and to identify and highlight the most important factors and values, which can then serve as the basis for creating and organising tourism itineraries designed to introduce visitors to communities as an alternative form of cultural tourism. The community tourism model is a new sector in the Lithuanian tourism system. Therefore, it has virtually no practical applications, and is still in its formative stages. The aim is to highlight the significance of community-based tourism among Klaipėda’s communities as a promising branch of alternative cultural tourism, based on which the community-based tourism model and research methodology can be adapted for use in communities in other regions.
The article presents a theoretical examination of fiscal and monetary governance in the European Union and the United States, by comparing their institutional frameworks, fiscal and monetary policy regulations, and crisis-response mechanisms. This research is grounded in a comparative analysis of the EU and the United States spanning the years 2003 to 2024. The paper integrates a literature review with statistical comparisons and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, to investigate 11 macroeconomic indicators, which include tax revenue, government expenditure, public debt, the budget balance, the money supply, interest rates, inflation, unemployment, exchange rate fluctuations, and GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity. The analysis is organised into various economic phases (pre-crisis, post-2008 adjustment, pre-pandemic and post-pandemic), to discern how both cases reacted to significant economic disturbances, and what policy variables were most closely linked to growth outcomes. The results suggest that the United States has probably achieved a superior relative economic performance, due to its policy mix characterised by lower tax burdens, more rapid fiscal adjustments and broader monetary expansion. Conversely, the European Union’s elevated tax levels, increased public spending and slower policy adjustments were correlated with lower GDP per capita growth and extended recovery periods. These findings were based on the results of high P-value and low R, as well as squared results of OLS regression. At the same time, considerations of autocorrelation and multicollinearity have been taken into account.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing traditional educational methods to innovative, technology-based methods. As with any other subject at school, it is essential to use various technologies when teaching English, to help develop students’ language skills. In modern education, technological advancements are driving the integration of AI into English language teaching and learning in primary schools. AI is becoming a transformative educational tool. Qualitative research has revealed that AI technologies stimulate students’ interest in and motivation to learn English, making lessons more interesting and engaging. Teachers believe that AI technologies enable them to create more diverse learning content, revitalising traditional teaching methods. AI also fosters students’ creativity, and helps them to develop language skills while learning English. However, the study findings also show that teachers face challenges when applying AI tools. These challenges are related to a decline in student progress due to excessive technology use, unreliable information, and a lack of digital competence among teachers. Teachers who apply AI technology tools in the educational process must know and be able to explain to students and inform them about the principles of the operation of AI technology tools such as data protection (students may or may not agree with the application of AI-based monitoring systems). Students must be clearly informed about how their personal data is collected, stored and interpreted using AI technologies. Therefore, to use AI effectively to develop the English language skills of primary school students, it is important not only to use AI in the classroom, but also to engage the students themselves.
Biosphere reserves represent important laboratories for testing innovative approaches to sustainable regional development. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of smart innovations, particularly those that combine digital technologies, open data infrastructures and participatory governance. This paper analyses selected examples of smart innovations implemented in European biosphere reserves, with a particular focus on their contribution to the development of social potential in these territories. The study applies a qualitative research design based on the analysis of 205 European biosphere reserves. Initial case identification was supported by AI-assisted screening, and subsequently validated using secondary sources, including official websites, project documentation and scientific publications. The findings indicate that the most advanced biosphere reserves apply integrated monitoring systems combining remote sensing, sensor networks and participatory data collection. At the same time, open biodiversity databases, socio-environmental observatories and digital communication platforms enable broader access to environmental information, and support collaboration between researchers, public authorities and local communities. Examples from biosphere reserves such as Sierra Nevada, Menorca, Wadden Sea, North Devon, Nordhordland and Kristianstads Vattenrike demonstrate how smart tools can strengthen participatory governance, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based decision-making. The results suggest that biosphere reserves can function not only as sites of technological innovation, but also as platforms for social innovation, where digital tools and participatory approaches contribute to sustainable regional development.
Epilepsy is a disease of the nervous system. Some cases of epilepsy are resistant to pharmacotherapy. One of the treatment methods is the ketogenic diet, which is characterised by a low carbohydrate content in favour of fats. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents of children with epilepsy regarding the ketogenic diet. Conducted between January and March 2025, the study involved 62 parents of children with epilepsy. Parents of children diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age more frequently demonstrate a knowledge of the main principles of the ketogenic diet. Respondents perceive the ketogenic diet as a form of treatment. Knowledge of the contraindications to the ketogenic diet is limited, and depends primarily on the respondents’ level of education. Respondents are aware of the necessity of implementing the ketogenic diet under the supervision of a physician and a clinical dietitian.
