Mykolas Romeris University

Introduction E-learning is a central component of higher education, yet maintaining student motivation remains difficult. Although personality traits, mental health, and peer support have each been linked to learning motivation, they are seldom examined simultaneously within an integrative framework. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, this study examined the associations among personality traits, anxiety and depression, peer-to-peer confirmation, and learning motivating factors in e-learning. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 595 e-learners from Lithuanian universities and Turing College. Data were collected using an online self-report questionnaire. Participants completed the Learning Motivating Factors Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Student-to-Student Confirmation Scale, and Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form. Pearson correlational analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to estimate associations and indirect pathways. Results Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience showed positive correlations with e-learning motivation ( r = 0.08–0.39, p < 0.01), whereas neuroticism and mental health symptoms were negatively correlated. The integrated SEM indicated acceptable fit: χ 2 (39) = 221, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.921; TLI = 0.888; RMSEA = 0.089 (90% CI [0.077, 0.100]), RMSEA p < 0.001, and SRMR = 0.075. The association between personality traits and e-learning motivation was primarily indirect via peer-to-peer confirmation ( β = 0.062), whereas the indirect pathway via mental health was not significant. Peer-to-peer confirmation was positively associated with e-learning motivation ( β = 0.256, p < 0.001). Conclusion Within the proposed model, peer-to-peer confirmation showed the strongest association with e-learning motivation, indicating the relevance of supportive peer interaction for e-learning motivation.

This study examines methodological challenges in collecting and analysing misinformation on Telegram (software) and develops a platform-sensitive conceptual framework for identifying malicious actors. Addressing gaps in existing research, the framework accounts for Telegram’s distinctive features, including limited moderation, privacy affordances, and channel-based dissemination. The study combines a structured literature review with the development and empirical testing of a four-dimensional framework encompassing creators, message content, target victims, and social context. The framework is applied to the anti-vaccination ecosystem on Telegram using a dataset of 7550 messages collected from 151 public channels and manually annotated. The results demonstrate both the analytical value of structured content-based approaches and their limitations in attributing malicious activity without behavioural and network-level data.

The article examines the features of applying the principles of good administration in a crisis.The definition of a crisis in EU and Ukrainian law is considered.It is concluded that the definitions proposed in the legislation state what facts can be considered a crisis, but it is important to understand how to respond to such a crisis and its consequences.The article analyses the application of the principles of good administration during the Covid-19 epidemic, as an example of rapid response to a crisis.The peculiarities of the operation of the principles of good administration in Ukraine under martial law are revealed.Special attention is paid to the importance of the international protection mechanism as a result of combating the consequences of the crisis is separately analysed.The importance of the principles of good administration for the functioning of the international protection mechanism is considered.

Abstract Purpose In recent years, intercropping in olive groves has become a sustainable practice for mitigating climate change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether crop diversification in rainfed olive groves modifies carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and methane (CH 4 ) emissions and key chemical and enzymatic properties of the soil in the short term. Materials and methods A field experiment was conducted under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions using four treatments: a conventional olive monocrop (CP) and three crop diversification systems: saffron ( Crocus sativus ) (D-S), oats and vetch ( Vicia sativa and Avena sativa ) (D-O) and lavandin ( Lavandula × intermedia ) (D-L). CO 2 , N 2 O, and CH 4 emissions were measured periodically using closed static chamber techniques. Simultaneously, soil samples were analyzed to determine physicochemical parameters (pH, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), P available, K, and Fe) and enzymatic activities (β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), leucine aminopeptidase (LA), N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), Arylsulfatase (AS) and phosphatase (AP) and dehydrogenase (DH)) in order to evaluate the interactions between soil properties and gas fluxes. Results and discussion The results showed that CO 2 emissions were significantly higher in D-S (385.2 mg CO 2 m -2 h -1 ) and D-O (335.2 mg CO 2 m -2 h -1 ) compared to CP, which was attributed to increased microbial and root activity promoted by the vegetation cover. In contrast, N 2 O fluxes (0.002 mg N 2 O m -2 h -1 in CP, 0.007 in D-S, 0.001 in D-O, and − 0.002 in D-L) and CH 4 (–0.2 mg CH 4 m -2 h -1 in CP, 0.1 in D-S, 0.2 in D-O, and 0.2 in D-L) did not show significant differences between all treatments ( p > 0.05 ), probably due to the prevailing semi-arid conditions. D-O had higher values of P available, Fe, and TN, while D-S and D-L stood out for higher values of K and TOC, both compared to CP. Enzymatic activities were particularly higher in D-S and D-O, specifically BG, LA, and AS. In addition, positive and significant correlations were observed between CO₂ accumulation and several soil parameters: in D-S, with POC, total Zn, exchangeable Na, total Cu, and BG, LA, and AS activities; and in D-L, with POC, exchangeable Na, total Mn, P available, TN, and LA and AS activities, highlighting that these indicators contribute to the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Conclusion It was concluded that crop diversification in rainfed olive groves increases CO 2 emissions in the short term due to intensified biological activity, but at the same time improves soil fertility and biochemical functionality. However, long-term monitoring is required to determine whether these systems contribute to carbon stabilization and net sequestration, ensuring their potential as sustainable strategies for climate change mitigation in Mediterranean agroecosystems.

Previous studies indicated that online learning environments present motivational challenges that may frustrate students’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), this study aimed to identify distinct need frustration profiles among e-learners and to examine how motivation-related factors (task value, self-efficacy, goal orientation, self-directed learning, collaborative learning) and attentional control predict profile membership. A sample of 541 adult (Mage = 26.37, SD = 8.61) e-learners completed a survey which consisted of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS), Motivated Self-Directed Learning and Collaborative Learning Questionnaire (MSDLCL), and Attentional Control Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) based on the three (autonomy, competence, relatedness) need frustration indicators identified two profiles: a High Need Frustration profile (≈44%) and a Low Need Frustration profile (≈56%). Logistic regression analysis showed that learners with higher extrinsic goal orientation and attentional control were significantly more likely to belong to the high-frustration profile, whereas task value, self-efficacy, and self-directed or collaborative learning tendencies did not significantly predict profile membership.

Cybersecurity has become a critical challenge to policy as cyber threats continue to increase in frequency, sophistication, and societal impact, exposing the growing vulnerability of the critical infrastructure supporting vital societal functions. Globally, these risks are heightened by a persistent shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, which, in Europe, threatens the effective implementation of the Union’s Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) concerned with the enhancement and harmonization of the cybersecurity level across Member States, notably in terms of their critical infrastructure and involved entities. This article examines the cybersecurity skills landscape across the European Union (EU), with a specific focus on Lithuania, using the United Kingdom (UK) as a strategic benchmark subject. Adopting a comparative case study approach, the study explores and discusses governance arrangements, education and training pathways, labour-market dynamics, and quality-assurance mechanisms shaping cybersecurity workforce development. Technical, organisational, and transversal skills required to prepare an effective cybersecurity workforce in a rapidly evolving labour landscape are also discussed. Findings reveal that Lithuania faces an acute shortage of advanced practitioners and limited alignment between education provision, labour-market needs, and regulatory requirements. In response, the article proposes policy-informed strategies adapted from the UK’s structured and professionalised cybersecurity skills model, explicitly mapped to NIS2 workforce and capability requirements. Identified strategies emphasise the need of coordinated action across schools, higher education institutions, government, industry, and the wider community. Potential enablers and constraints for the operationalization of the identified strategies are further analysed and discussed. The study aims to contribute to ongoing policy debates by demonstrating how a strategic context-sensitive selection and adaptation of key components in established skills frameworks can support the development of a sustainable national cybersecurity skills ecosystem and enhance long-term digital resilience, not only in Lithuania but also in other Member States across the EU.

This paper investigates the decision-making process of migrants. The study addresses questions about what circumstances, economic events, and social factors influence individuals' decisions to migrate. It reviews and summarizes theoretical approaches to migration and decision-making. The overview of migration theories indicates that migrant flows can be forecasted. An interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from various fields. Migration decisions are affected by economic, social, and other factors. This approach helps study the migration process and suggests ways to improve migration policy. Institutional and structural frameworks are crucial for understanding the economic and social challenges involved in migrant decision-making. Drawing from survey data on multinational businesses, the article examines the case of Ukrainians whose migration was driven by their desire for stability and security. Key research questions focus on measuring and predicting the impacts of migration flows on the job market, wages, and business growth. Remittances and skills transfers can promote long-term development in home countries. According to the study's findings, it is crucial to understand how migrants make decisions so that migration and integration policies can be designed to balance economic needs with humanitarian responsibilities.

Abstract Parents of children with special needs in Nigeria are faced with several challenges. In most cases, decisions are taken without their active involvement, despite them being the primary carers for their children with special needs. This research utilised a qualitative research design with fifteen participants to understand parents' perspectives about the educational services provided for their children with special needs. Only parents of children diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome and intellectual disability were involved. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used. The findings revealed five themes that describe the experiences of parents of children with special needs in managing their children's care. Parents stated that their children with special needs still encounter discrimination and segregation despite being in mainstream schools. Parents highlighted several challenges, including inadequately trained professionals, poor public sensitisation, the government's lack of attention/ambition and the unavailability of specific assistive devices. The participants suggested that training and retraining of professionals in special education, mass sensitisation and government funding/scholarship are factors that can mitigate some of these challenges. In conclusion, parents play essential roles in the lives of their children with special needs; if help must be provided, parents should be rightly considered.

Background: Fatal hemorrhage from ruptured varicose veins is a rare event that may mimic violent death given the quantity and distribution of blood at the scene. Accurate determination of cause and manner of death requires careful scene investigation, autopsy, histology, and ancillary methods such as bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). Case presentation: We describe an 80-year-old woman found deceased at home, with evidence of extensive bloodstaining, no significant external trauma except a small laceration over a varicosity, and ultimately a ruptured branch of the small saphenous vein. The cause of death was hemorrhagic shock due to spontaneous varicose vein rupture. Discussion: This case reinforces the importance of integrating death scene findings (including shoe prints, bloodstain distribution), anatomical dissection, histology, and toxicology to exclude non-natural causes. We also review recent similar cases in the literature, noting risk factors, presentation, and common pitfalls. Conclusions: Forensic investigations of massive bleeding in elderly, isolated individuals should include varicose vein rupture in the differential. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to avoid misclassification of manner of death.

ABSTRACT Soil degradation on abandoned or poorly managed terraces in the Mediterranean region poses a significant threat to the resilience of agroecosystems, particularly in hillside olive groves where erosion and nutrient depletion accelerate land abandonment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term effects of five different soil management practices (grass cover, organic mulch, herbicide application, pile burning and tillage) on soil physical and chemical properties, hydrological responses and nutrient and pollutant losses. A field trial with replicated microplots (five per treatment, 25 in total) on a Rendzic Leptosol was conducted on degraded terraces in southern Croatia. Natural rainfall events were monitored in 2024 (spring to autumn) to quantify runoff and sediment yield. Results showed that mulch and grass treatments significantly improved bulk density, water‐holding capacity and aggregate size while reducing runoff, sediment loss and nutrient export. In contrast, herbicide and fire treatments resulted in pronounced compaction, increased runoff and up to nine times higher losses of C, N, P, K and Cu compared to covered plots. Sediment was consistently enriched in nutrients and contaminants compared to soil, with element concentrations up to three times higher, especially under herbicide, fire and tillage. The study provides new insights into erosion‐induced chemical enrichment and degradation processes on Mediterranean terraces and emphasises the effectiveness of protective measures based on soil cover. The results highlight the disproportionate importance of exposed soils for the transport of fine, chemically enriched sediments and confirm that soil cover, particularly mulch or vegetation, provides substantial protection against both on‐site degradation and nutrient export from the site.