IgG protection status for humoral immune response to MMR vaccine among the Norwegian population of children and method assessment of MMR-Multi-Plex Immunoassay

Background and aim: In order to prevent sudden outbreaks of serious disease, immune response to vaccines should be monitored to investigate the overall status of protection in a given population as well as identifying susceptible groups or individuals with a reduced or a negative response. The measles -mumps -rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live-attenuated combined vaccine used for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the status of protection against measles, mumps, and rubella among the Norwegian population of children using IgG antibody concentrations as an indicator for humoral immune response to the MMR vaccine. An additional goal was to perform method assessment of MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay by investigating intra-assay precision and interoperator reproducibility of IgG measurements. The study population and method: The study population were a part of The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort study (MoBa) including 306 children between the ages of 7 and 14. The collection of experimental material was performed by the Norwegian Environmental Biobank (NEB) during 2016-2017. The plasma IgG against measles, mumps, and rubella pathogen antigens were analysed using MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay. Following IgG “protective levels” were set for each antigen: measles; >200 mIU/ml, mumps; >500 AU/ml, and rubella; >10 IU/ml, where concentrations below these thresholds were considered as “unprotected”. The intra-assay precision assessment was performed by the investigation of CV% values, and inter-operator reproducibility assessment was accomplished with the help of scatter plots, Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and reanalysis of plasma samples. Results: The majority of IgG antibody concentrations were above ‘protective level’ for all three antigens (measles: 97.1%, mumps: 63.1%, rubella: 89.2%). Overall, 2.3% of the children had IgG antibody concentrations below ‘protective level’ for all the three antigens. Notably, the proportion of ‘unprotected’ children varied for the three pathogens with lowest protection rates for mumps (36.9% below protection limit) while only 2.9% and 10.8% were ‘unprotected’ for measles and rubella respectively. The intra-assay precision results showed high precision with low mean CV% values of duplicates for all the three antigens (measles: 3.9%, mumps: 3.0% and rubella: 3.5%). The assessment of inter-operator reproducibility showed an overall high agreement between operators for IgG levels measured against all three pathogens. Conclusion: According to obtained results, the MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay revealed a good intra-assay precision for the measurement of IgG levels against measles, mumps, and rubella. The results indicate an overall high degree of IgG antibody protection against measles, mumps, and rubella within the study population, which further indicates a substantial MMR vaccine effectiveness and heard immunity. However, a larger proportion of children were unprotected against mumps in comparison to measles and rubella indicating a possible need for booster vaccines or advances in vaccine technology against mumps.Bakgrunn og målsetting: For å hindre uventede utbrudd av alvorlig sykdom, burde immunrespons på vaksiner overvåkes for å undersøke den generelle beskyttelsesstatusen i en gitt populasjon, samt identifisere mottakelige grupper eller individer med redusert eller negativ respons. Vaksine mot meslinger - kusma - røde hunder (MMR) er en levende svekket, kombinert vaksine som brukes til forebygging av meslinger, kusma og røde hunder. Hovedformålet med denne studien var å undersøke status for antistoff beskyttelse mot meslinger, kusma og røde hunder blant norske barn ved å bruke IgG-antistoffkonsentrasjoner som en indikator på den humorale immunresponsen til MMR-vaksinen. Et tilleggsmål var å utføre kvalitetsvurdering av MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay ved å undersøke intra-assaypresisjon og inter-operator reproduserbarhet av IgG-målingene. Studiepopulasjonen og metode: Studiepopulasjonen var en del av den norske mor, far og barn -undersøkelsen (MoBa), og hadde en størrelse på 306 barn mellom 7 og 14 år. Innsamlingen av eksperimentelt materiale ble utført av Miljøbiobanken i perioden 2016-2017. IgG målinger i plasma mot meslinger, kusma og røde hunder ble analysert ved å bruke MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay. Følgende grenser ble satt for IgG-beskyttelsesnivåer for hvert antigen: meslinger; >200 mIU/ml, kusma; >500 AU/ml, og røde hunder; >10 IE/ml, der konsentrasjoner under disse terskelverdiene ble ansett som «ubeskyttet». Presisjonsvurderingen innen analysen ble utført ved undersøkelse av CV%-verdier, og inter-operator reproduserbarhetsvurdering ble utført ved hjelp av spredningsplott, Lins konkordanskorrelasjonskoeffisientanalyse og Bland-Altman-plott. Resultater: Flertallet av populasjonen hadde IgG-antistoffkonsentrasjoner over "beskyttende nivå" for alle tre antigener (meslinger: 97,1 %, kusma: 63,1 %, røde hunder: 89,2 %). Totalt sett hadde 2,3 % av barna IgG-antistoffkonsentrasjoner under terskelverdi for "beskyttende nivå" for meslinger, kusma og rubella. Det ble observert en stor variasjon blant andelen "ubeskyttede" barn blant de tre antigene, der laveste beskyttelsesgrad ble oppdaget for kusma (36,9 % under beskyttelsesgrensen), mens bare 2,9 % og 10,8 % var "ubeskyttet" for henholdsvis meslinger og røde hunder. Presisjonsresultatene for intraanalysen viste høy presisjon med lave gjennomsnittlige CV%-verdier av duplikater for alle tre antigener (meslinger: 3,9 %, kusma: 3,0 % og røde hunder: 3,5 %). Vurderingen av interoperatorreproduserbarhet viste et generelt høy samsvar mellom operatører for IgG-konsentrasjonene for alle tre antigener. Konklusjon: I henhold til de oppnådde resultatene, viste MMR Multi-Plex Immunoassay en god intra-assay presisjon for de målte IgG-nivåene mot meslinger, kusma og røde hunder. Resultatene indikerte også en høy grad av antistoffbeskyttelse mot meslinger, kusma og røde hunder i studiepopulasjonen, noe som indikerer en betydelig MMR-vaksineeffektivitet og flokkimmunitet. Derimot, var en større andel av barna ubeskyttet mot kusma sammenlignet med meslinger og røde hunder, som indikerer et mulig behov for boostervaksiner eller fremskritt innen vaksineteknologi mot kusma.M-BIOTE

DEVELOPMENTAL TENDENCIES AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES OF HOMEPAGES

 The aim of the article is to explore Home pages development trends evaluating the Latvian Higher Education website design specifics.The methods of research: theoretical – investigation and analysis of relevant literature, internet sources and regulatory documents. Empirical – methods of data collecting group discussion; methods of data processing: comparative analysis, content analysis.

Reduction of wood consumption for glulam arch by its strengthening

This paper focuses on possibilities to reduce wood consumption for 11 glulam arches with rise-span ratio selected from 1/7 to 1/2. The most loaded sections of each arch are strengthened in 7 different ways: by attaching non-prestressed glass fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates, by attaching prestressed GFRP and CFRP laminates, with steel reinforcement bars and by attaching prestressed GFRP and CFRP laminates to the reinforced arch. Efficiency rates of various strengthening types are compared and also the use of design resistance is estimated. The span of arches is assumed constant – 42 m. The arches are subjected to snow load s0=1.5 kN/m2 and wind load w0=0.23 kN/m2. It is verified that compressive, bending, shear and tensile stress in wood fibres does not exceed design strength value as well as stress in FRP laminate and steel reinforcement bars does not exceed their design resistances and the anchorage of reinforcement is provided. Analytical calculations confirmed that maximum cross-section reduction can be achieved by attaching prestressed CFRP laminates to reinforced arch resulting in wood consumption reduction up to 31%

The Cooperation Between Interest Education Teachers and Parents to Promote Students' Physical Activity

Maģistra darba autors Liene Kukule. Maģistra darba nosaukums “Interešu izglītības pedagogu un vecāku sadarbība skolēnu fiziskās aktivitātes veicināšana”. Maģistra darba teorētiskās nodaļās analizētas teorētiskās atziņas par fizisko attīstību, kā vienu no valsts labklājības radītājiem. Skolēnu, bērnu, pusaudžu fizisko attīstību un veselības stāvokli atspoguļo ķermeņa stājas pētījumi. Analizēta interešu izglītības sistēma, tās normatīvais regulējums. Meklētas atbildes uz sadarbības un komunikācijas pilnveides iespējām sākumskolas skolēnu fiziskās aktivitātes veicināšanai. Lai veidotos normāla stāja un interese par fiziskajām aktivitātēm, nepieciešama motivācija, kā arī vecāku un sabiedrības interese par bērna veselību. Jāmeklē risinājumi par dažādu sadarbības formu un komunikācijas iespēju izmantošana sporta interešu izglītības pulciņos, kā arī jāmeklē risinājumi atbildības jomu sadalē starp vecākiem un pedagogiem, kas rosinātu uz sadarbību. Atslēgas vārdi: interešu izglītība, sadarbība, vecāki, skolotāji (treneri), skolēni, atbildība, vietējā kopiena, gadījuma pētījums.Masters Thesis author is Liene Kukule. Masters Thesis title " The Cooperation Between Interest Education Teachers and Parents to Promote Students' Physical Activity." Masters theoretical chapters analyses the theoretical aspects of physical development as one of the creators of the welfare state and that the physical development and health status of schoolchildren, children and adolescents reflects on the body posture data. Practical chapters includes an analysis of the interest education system and its regulatory framework. Searching for answers on how to improve and develop cooperation and communication to provide better opportunities to promote physical activities for primary school students. To show the need for motivation, as well as the need for parents and the public to be interested in children’s health in order to form a normal posture and an interest in physical activity. To seek solutions to improve cooperation and communication options within afterschool sports education activities, as well as seeking solutions to encourage the distribution of responsibilities between parents and teachers. Keywords: interest education, cooperation, parents, teachers (coaches), the students, the responsibility of the local community, case study

Volume and taxonomic composition of washed out macrophytic algae in the Latvia’s seashore of Baltic sea

Maģistra darba “Izskaloto makrofītaļģu apjoms un taksonomiskais sastāvs Baltijas jūras Latvijas piekrastē” pētījums izstrādāts 2018. gada vasaras un rudens sezonu laikā. Darba izstrāde veikta Latvijas Universitātes Bioloģijas fakultātes Hidrobioloģijas katedrā, biedrības “Baltijas krasti” izstrādātā EJZF projekta “Jūras aļģu sanesumu izvērtēšanas un apsaimniekošanas plāns Latvijas piekrastē” ietvaros. Darba mērķis ir noteikt izskaloto makrofītaļģu akumulēšanās vietas, apjomu, taksonomisko sastāvu un sezonālo dinamiku Baltijas jūras Vidzemes, Kurzemes un atklātās daļas piekrastēs. Maģistra darbā analizēta pieejamā literatūra par Baltijas jūrā augošajām makrofītaļģēm, to morfoloģisko, fizioloģisko uzbūvi, augšanas un reproducēšanās apstākļiem, raksturoti, Baltijas jūru un makrofītaļģu audzes, ietekmējošie abiotiskie, biotiskie un antropogēnie faktori, identificētas izskaloto makroaļģu sanesumu veidošanās vietas Baltijas jūras atklātās daļas un Rīgas līča piekrastē, apskatīta makroaļģu sanesumu sezonālā dinamika, noteikts taksonomiskais sastāvs un izstrādātas rekomendācijas makroaļģu sanesumu praktiskai pielietošanai. Baltijas jūra, ar specifiskajiem hidrometeoroloģiskajiem apstākļiem, nodrošina vidi izskaloto makrofītaļģu sanesumu joslu veidošanai. Aļģu sanesumu joslu veidošanās Baltijas jūras Latvijas piekrastē ir ļoti nevienmērīga, atkarībā no sezonas, krasta morfoloģijas un, galvenokārt, vētru biežuma. Atsevišķas teritorijas raksturojas ar pilnīgu izskaloto aļģu iztrūkumu. Maksimālais izskaloto makrofītaļģu apjoms novērtēts rudens ekspedīcijas laikā Liepājā, sasniedzot 228,3 m3/100 m. Baltijas jūras atklātās daļas piekrastē dominē sārtaļģes Furcellaria lumbricalis, Rīgas līča Kurzemes piekrastē dominē brūnaļģes Fucus vesiculosus, bet Rīgas līča Vidzemes piekrastē, atkarībā no sezonas, tomēr novērots relatīvs līdzsvars starp brūnaļģēm Fucus vesiculosus un zaļaļģu ģintīm Cladophora spp. un Enteromorpha spp.. Kā potenciālās izskaloto makrofītaļģu akumulācijas vietas Baltijas jūras atklātās daļas piekrastē – Liepāja un Pāvilosta, Rīgas līča Kurzemes piekrastē – Jaunķemeri, Melluži un Lapmežciems, Rīgas līča Vidzemes piekrastē – Salacgrīva un Saulkrasti. Mainoties ekonomiskās un sociālās vides apstākļiem, mainījušās arī aļģu savākšanas metodes un apjomi. Tomēr Latvijā nav ieviesta vienota sistēma, kā makrofītaļģes savākt, kur uzglabāt un izmantot. Ir samazinājusies aļģu nozīme dārza mēslošanā. Populārās tūristu un atpūtas teritorijās, aļģu uzkrāšanās lielos apmēros rada problēmas teritoriju apsaimniekošanā. Mehāniski savāktās aļģes, izgāžot turpat piekrastes kāpās vai kārklu zonā, visbiežāk vētru laikā, tiek ierautas atpakaļ jūrā, radot otrreizējo piesārņojumu. Šīs makrofītu kaudzes traucē rekreācijai un tūrismam, izmaina biotopu, degradē ainavu un sugu atradnes. Piekrastes daba ir jāsaglabā, to zonējot, saglabājot līdzsvaru ar makroaļģu savākšanu, izvešanu un izmantošanu.Master thesis “Volume and taxonomic composition of washed out macrophytic algae in the Latvia’s seashore of Baltic sea” was developed during summer and autumn seasons of 2018. Research was made in the Hydrobiology department of the University of Latvia, as a part of the EJZF project “Plan for the evaluation and managment of macroalgae rinse on the coast of Latvia” developed by the association “Baltijas krasti”. The aim of the paper is to identify the storage sites, distribution, taxonomic composition and seasonal dynamics of the rinsed macrophytes in the Vidzeme’s seashore, Kurzeme’s seashore and the open part of the Baltic Sea. In the Master's paper available literature on macroalgae growing in the Baltic Sea, morphological, physiological structure of algae, growth and reproduction conditions, described abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors affecting the Baltic Sea and macroalgae stands, identified sites of the development of rinsed macroalgae in the open part of Baltic Sea and the coast of the Gulf of Riga, viewed seasonal dynamics of macroalgae, defined taxonomic composition and developed recommendations for practical use of macrophytic algae. The Baltic Sea, with it’s specific hydro-meteorological conditions, provides the environment for the formation of bands of rinsed macroalgae. The formation of algal bands on the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea is very uneven, depending on the season,coastal morphology and, above all, the frequency of storms. Individual areas are characterised by a complete shortage of rinsed algae. Maximum volume of rinsed macroalgae evaluated during autumn expedition in Liepaja, reaching 228.3 m3/100 m. In the open part of the Baltic Sea dominates red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis, in the Kurzeme’s seashore of the Gulf of Riga dominates brown algae Fucus vesiculosus, while in the Vidzeme’s coast of the Gulf of Riga, depending on the season, observed a relative balance between the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus and the generas of green algae - Cladophora spp. and Enteromorpha spp.. As sites for potential accumulation of rinsed macroalgae on the coast of the open part of the Baltic Sea – Liepaja and Pavilosta, Kurzeme’s seashore of the Gulf of Riga – Jaunkemeri, Melluzi and Lapmezciems, Vidzeme’s coast of the Gulf of Riga – Salacgriva and Saulkrasti. Changing circumstances have resulted in changes in the methods and volumes of algae collection. However, Latvia does not have unified system where to store and how to use them. The accumulation of algae create major problems for the management of tourism and recreational areas. The mechanically collected algae, which are loaded into the coastal dunes or bush area, are folded back into the sea during storms, resulting in secondary pollution. These piles of macroalgae disrupt recreation and tourism, change habitats, degrade landscape and species deposits. Coastal nature must be preserved by zoning, maintaining balance with the collection, removal and use of macroalgae

Systematic review: Parents’ communication and joint engagement correlation with expressive language development in preschool children

AudiologopēdijaVeselības aprūpeAudiologopaedicsHealth CareBakalaura darba nosaukums: Sistemātisks literatūras pārskats: vecāku un bērna sadarbības un komunikācijas veidu saistība ar pirmsskolas vecuma bērnu ekspresīvās valodas attīstību. Pētījuma mērķis: Sistemātiski apkopot un izanalizēt pieejamo literatūru par vecāku komunikācijas veidu un sadarbības uzlabošanas programmām ar pirmsskolas vecuma bērniem un to saistību ar šo bērnu ekspresīvās valodas attīstību. Pētījuma metodes: Datu ievākšanai izmantotās datubāzes: PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO Host, ProQuest. Pētījumā iekļauti raksti, kuri pieejami brīvpieejā pilnā apjomā, veikti ne vēlāk par 2017. gadu un atbilst iekļaušanas un izslēgšanas kritērijiem. Darbā iekļauto pētījumu kvalitātes novērtēšanai izmantota PEDro skala, kur divi pētījumi ieguva sešus punktus un viens pētījums ieguva astoņus punktus. Pētnieciskais jautājums: Vai apmācot vecākus komunikācijas veidu un sadarbības uzlabošanai ar pirmsskolas vecuma bērniem uzlabosies šo bērnu ekspresīvā valoda? Rezultāti: Sistemātiskajā pārskatā tika analizēti trīs pētījumi, kuros tika salīdzinātas programmas vecākiem pirmsskolas vecuma bērnu valodas prasmju uzlabošanai. Vienā pētījumā secināts, ka dialoga kopīga lasīšana bērniem zemā sociālekonomiskajā vidē neuzlabo ekspresīvo valodu. Divos pētījumos secināts, ka izmantojot vienkāršas uz vecākiem vērstas intervences – lasīšanas un atgādināšanas paņēmienu un dekontekstuālās komunikācijas pielietošanu – iespējams papildināt un uzlabot bērnu ekspresīvo valodu. Secinājumi: Pirmsskolas vecuma bērnu ekspresīvās valodas attīstība ir atkarīga no sociālekonomiskajiem un vides faktoriem, un vecāku iesaistes šo bērnu kognitīvajā un socioemocionālajā attīstībā. Apmācot vecākus vienkāršu programmu izmantošanā un sadarbības veicināšanā ar pirmsskolas vecuma bērniem ir iespējams pilnveidot un attīstīt bērnu ekspresīvo valodu, izmantojot kopīgu grāmatu lasīšanu, iesaistot bērnus diskusijās, uzdodot atbilstošos jautājumus un pielietojot dekontekstuālo valodu. Ikdienā vecāki un bērna aprūpētāji ir galvenie bērnu paraugi, un bērns atkārtos pieaugušā ierosināto, teikto vai darīto, tādēļ svarīgi to izmantot un pielietot mērķtiecīgi, lai bērns attīstītos un būtu pilnvērtīga sabiedrības daļa. Atslēgas vārdi: ekspresīvā valoda, vecāki, pirmsskola, kopīga lasīšana, komunikācija, sadarbība.Title of the thesis: Systematic review: Parents’ communication and joint engagement correlation with expressive language development in preschool children. Target of the thesis: To systematically collect and analyze the available literature on parenting communication and programs to improve cooperation with preschool children and their relationship to the development of these children's expressive language. Research methods: Databases used for data collection: PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO Host, ProQuest. The study includes articles that are available in full open access, were published no later than 2017, and meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies, with two studies scoring six points and one study scoring eight points. Research question: Will training parents to improve the way they communicate and cooperate with preschool children improve their children's expressive language? Results: The systematic review analyzed three studies comparing programs for parents to improve preschool children's language skills. One study concluded that shared reading of dialogue does not improve expressive language in children from low socio-economic backgrounds. Two studies concluded that simple parent-focused interventions - reading and recall techniques and the use of decontextualized communication - can complement and improve children's expressive language. Conclusions: Preschool children's development of expressive language depends on socio-economic and environmental factors and parental involvement in their cognitive and socio-emotional development. By training parents in the use of simple programs and in fostering cooperation with preschool children, it is possible to improve and develop children's expressive language through shared book reading, engaging children in discussions, asking appropriate questions, and using decontextualized language. Parents and caregivers are the main role models for children in everyday life and the child will repeat what the adult suggests, says, or does, so it is important to use and apply this purposefully for the child to develop and be a valuable part of society. Keywords used: expressive language, parents, preschool, shared reading, communication, joint engagement

Strategy and organization of Jehova's witnesses mission in Latvia

Šis bakalaura darbs ir par Jehovas liecinieku organizāciju, izstrādāts socioloģijas zinātnes ietvaros. Autore vēlas tuvāk izpētīt Jehovas liecinieku stratēģijas un taktikas īpaši koncentrējoties uz misijas darbu Atslēgvārdi: -Jehovas liecinieki -Jehova -Organizācija -Reliģija -Jaunās reliģiskās kustības -Bībele -Atteikšanās pārliet asinis -Bezasins ķirurģija -Vadošā padome -BēteleThis work are about Jehovah’s Witnesses, frame within the framework of sociology. Authoress researched strategy and tactics of Jehovah’s Witnesses missionary work. Keywords: -Jehovah’s Witnesses -Jehovah -Organization -Religion -New religious movements -Bible -Blood transfusion (refusal) -Bloodless surgery -Governing body -Bethe

Promoting mathematical skills of 3 – 4 year old children using natural materials

Kvalifikācijas darba temats ir “3 – 4 gadus vecu bērnu matemātikas prasmju sekmēšana izmantojot dabas materiālus.” Pētījuma darba autore ir Skaidrīte Kukule. Pētījuma mērķis ir teorētiski un praktiski izzināt par 3 – 4 gadus vecu bērnu matemātikas prasmju sekmēšanas iespējām izmantojot dabas materiālus. Teorētiskajā daļā tika veikta literatūras analīze par bērnu matemātikas prasmju attīstību un tās vecināšanas veidiem dažādu autoru skatījumā. Izpētīts un analizēts 3 – 4 gadus vecu bērnu matemātikas sekmēšanas iespējas ar dabas materiāliem pirmsskolā. Pētījuma empīriskajā daļā tika izmantota bērnu novērošanas un pedagoģiskā izmēģinājuma darbības metode. Pētījumā piedalījās 18 pirmsskolas izglītības iestādes bērni vecumā no 3 – 4 gadiem. Pētījumā noskaidrojās, lai sekmētu 3 – 4 gadus vecu bērnu matemātikas prasmes, vispirms nepieciešams noskaidrot, kāds ir bērnu matemātikas prasmju līmenis. Matemātikas apguve bērniem sekmēsies labāk, ja tiks izmantoti dabas materiāli, jo tiem ir tieša ietekme uz bērna matemātisko prasmju attīstību, sekmējot radošumu, kritisko domāšanu, izpratni par matemātiku sasaistē ar reālo dzīvi, kad mācīšanās pieredze bērnus aizrauj, ieinteresē, rada patīkamas emocijas un ilgāk notur uzmanību. Pētījumā 3 – 4 gadus veci bērni ar dabas materiāliem sekmēja prasmi skaitīt no 1 - 5, atpazīt skaitļu simbolus pieci apjomā, veidot secīgas un ritmiskas virknes, sarunājoties lietot precīzus matemātikas jēdzienus. Nodarbības norisinājās ārā un iekštelpās. Pētījuma atslēgas vārdi ir bērnu matemātikas prasmes, dabas materiāli, skaitīšanas prasme, matemātikas jēdzieni, paša pieredze, pozitīvas emocijas. Pētījums sastāv no 41 lapas 3 tabulām, 22 attēliem, 27 literatūras avotiem.The topic of the qualification work is “Promoting mathematical skills of 3 - 4 years old children using natural materials.” The author of the research work is Skaidrīte Kukule. The aim of the research is to theoretically and practically investigate the possibilities of promoting mathematical skills of 3 - 4 years old children using natural materials. In the theoretical part of the study included a literature analysis about the children's mathematical skills and ways of fostering them from the point of view of various authors. Researched and analyzed the possibilities of promoting mathematics in 3 - 4 years old children with natural materials in preschool. In the empirical part of the study used the child observation and pedagogical pilot activity methods. The study involved 18 preschool children ages 3 - 4 years. The study found that in order to promote the mathematical skills of 3 - 4 years old children, it is first necessary to find out what the level of mathematical skills corresponds to them. Children's will be better learning mathematics skills with natural materials, because they have a direct impact on the development of a child's mathematical skills, promoting creativity, critical thinking, understanding mathematics in real life, when the learning experience excites children, interests them, creates positive emotions and keeps their attention longer. In the study, 3 - 4 years old children, using natural materials, they learning to count from 1 to 5, recognize number symbols from 1 to 5, made rhythmic sequences, and use mathematical concepts correct in conversation. The lessons practice in outdoors and indoors. The keywords of the study are children's mathematical skills, natural materials, counting skills, mathematical concepts, personal experience, positive emotions. The study consists of 41 pages, 3 tables, 22 images, and 27 literature resources

Trade financing services for companies offered by Latvian commercial banks

Bakalaura darbā tiek pētīti Latvijas komercbanku – AS Swedbank, AS Trasta komercbanka, AS DnB NORD Banka, AS Latvijas Biznesa banka un AS Baltic International Bank piedāvātie tirdzniecības finansēšanas pakalpojumu veidi un to nozīme valsts ekonomikā, analīzēta šo pakalpojumu dinanmika un pieprasījums pēdējos piecos gados. Pētijuma rezultātā tiek atklāti šo pakalpojumu pozitīvie momenti un piedāvāti iespējamie risinājumi, biežāk sastopamo risku samazināšanai starptautiskās tirdzniecības darījumos. Formulēti priekšlikumi un iespējamie risinājumi šo tirdzniecības finansēšanas pakalpojumu izmantošanas pilnveidošanai. Darba ievadā tiek raksturota starptautiskās tirdzniecības nozīme valsts ekonomikā, ar to saistītās problēmas un komercbanku loma starptautisko darījumu norisē. Pirmajā nodaļā ir apskatīti starptautiskajā tirdzniecībā sastopamie risku veidi, to galvenās pazīmes un ar tiem saistītās problēmas. Otrajā nodaļā tiek pētīti Latvijas komercbanku piedāvātie tirdzniecības finansēšanas pakalpojumi - bankas garantija, importa, eksporta akreditīvi un importa eksporta dokumnetu inkaso, kā daži no instrumentiem sekmīgai risku samazināšanai, to darbības principi, kā arī apskatītas to priekšrocības un trūkumi gan no pircēja, gan pārdevēja puses. Trešā nodaļa veltīta Latvijas komercbanku tirdzniecības finansēšanas pakalpojumu analīzei. Nodaļā apkopoti Latvijas komercbanku – AS Swedbank, AS Trasta komercbanka, AS DnB NORD Banka, AS Latvijas Biznesa banka un AS Baltic International Bank piedāvāto tirdzniecības finansēšanas pakalpojumu – bankas garantija, akreditīvs un dokumentu inkaso, dinamika un pieprasījuma pieaugums/kritums valsts ekonomisko apstākļu ietekmē. Darba nobeigumā tiek izdarīti secinājumi pematojotie uz darbā izvirzītā mērķa uzdevumu izpildi, tiek konstatētas būtiskākās starptautiskās tirdzniecības finansēšanas problēmas Latvijā un piedāvāti to iespējamie risinājumi.In the bachelor’s thesis the trade financing which is provided by Latvian commercial banks - AS Swedbank, AS Trasta komercbanka, AS DnB NORD Banka, AS Latvijas Biznesa banka and AS Baltic International Bank, its types of products and services, implications for the national economy has been researched, dynamics of these products within last five years has been analysed. Based on research the positive moments have been discovered and possible solutions for minimizing the main risks within international trade of these services have been offered. Proposals and possible solutions for improving the trade financing services have been defined. In the introduction part of thesis the meaning of international trade within the national economy, connected problems and the role of commercial banks within international business process has been characterized. In the first chapter types of risks within international trade and its main features and connected problems have been reviewed. In the second chapter the services and the products of trade financing offered by Latvian commercial banks like bank’s guarantee, import and export letter of credit, import and export documents encashment, as well as some instruments for minimizing risks and it’s working principles researched, advantages and disadvantages for buyers and sellers reviewed. The third chapter has been dedicated to the analysis of trade financing services offered by Latvian commercial banks. Trade financing services offered by Latvian commercial banks - AS Swedbank, AS Trasta komercbanka, AS DnB NORD Banka, AS Latvijas Biznesa banka and AS Baltic International Bank such as bank’s guarantee, letter of credit, document encashment, dynamics and increase or decrease of demand due to circumstances influenced by the national economy have been summarized in the chapter. In the final part of the thesis the conclusions have been made based on the set target by fulfilling the tasks, the main problems of international trade financing problems within Latvia have been found and possible solutions offered