Researchers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Riga Stradiņš University have developed a dictionary of medical terms
April 4, 2021
The Faculty of Translation Studies (VUAS FoTS) and the Faculty of Information Technologies (VUAS FIT) of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, working together with the lecturers and doctors of Riga Stradiņš University, have developed a mobile application EN-LV-EN Phrasebook & Dictionary of Medical Terms (Medicīnas terminu angļu-latviešu-angļu tulkojošā un sarunvārdnīca).
The dictionary will be a useful tool for students, translators, and anyone interested in the subject, as it includes English and Latvian terms, various phrases, and questions. It also has a special section for learning medical terms. The dictionary for Android smartphone users was already published on Google Play last year, but earlier this year, the VUAS account successfully managed to make the dictionary available to Apple users by publishing it on the Apple App Store. Currently, the dictionary is available for every smartphone user free of charge, and to find the app in the e-stores you need to use its English name: EN-LV-EN Phrasebook & Dictionary of Medical Terms.
Not only researchers took part in the development of the dictionary, but also students of FTS and FIT participated by making audio recordings, gathering definitions of terms, and solving programming issues. The researchers from both higher education institutions that took part in the development project presented data selection solutions and the results of gathering resources used in development at an international scientific conference, and published a scientific article. The dictionary is already used by RSU students to learn medical terms in Latvian and by the VUAS FTS students to ensure the correct choice of medical terms in translations.
It is important to note the involvement of RSU doctors in the dictionary development process, the creation of the set of terms, and the selection of the appropriate language equivalent. The authors of the dictionary hope that this fruitful collaboration between researchers from two universities will help hundreds of people in doctor-patient communication.
Dictionaries can be found on Google Play and App Store.
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Join us for an insightful and delicious journey around the world at our upcoming Culture Day event! On May 21st at 4:30 PM in the VUAS student lounge D0, students from Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, China, and India will take you on a fascinating exploration of their unique cultures, inspired by the concept of the Cultural Iceberg. Just like an iceberg, there's so much more to a culture than what meets the eye. Our presenters will go beyond the familiar tourist sights and delve into the deeper, often unseen aspects of their heritage. Prepare to: Savor authentic flavors: Taste traditional dishes prepared with love by our student representatives. It's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Uncover hidden depths: Through engaging presentations, discover the values, beliefs, and customs that truly shape each culture. Navigate cultural nuances: Learn about intriguing taboos and gain a better understanding of potential cultural misunderstandings. Challenge stereotypes: Engage in open discussions and hear firsthand perspectives that break down common misconceptions. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of our global community right here at VUAS. Don't miss this chance to: Expand your cultural intelligence. Make new friends and connections. Enjoy delicious international food. Participate in thought-provoking discussions. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 21st at 4:30 PM and head to the VUAS student lounge D0 . Let's explore the fascinating depths of culture together! We look forward to seeing you there!
On April 9th, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted Career Day 2025 , uniting high schoolers , university students , educators , and employers for a dynamic day of networking and hands-on experiences .
In February of this year, the European Union-funded project “Opticon RadioNet Pilot” No 101004719 (ORP) was successfully concluded at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC), part of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, located in Irbene, Latvia. VIRAC is known for its two large radio telescopes – including a 32-meter dish, one of the largest in Northern Europe – which are used to study radio signals from cosmic objects. Given the scale and complexity of space, collaboration has always been essential, and VIRAC has long been involved in international and EU-funded projects. Since 2009, VIRAC has participated in a series of projects under the “RadioNet” umbrella, aimed at strengthening radio astronomy research across Europe by increasing access to facilities, advancing technology, encouraging institutional collaboration, and supporting the growth of young scientists. The ORP project represented the next step, merging the efforts of radio and optical telescope communities into a single coordinated program. By integrating facilities observing across the radio, sub-mm, infrared, and optical wavebands, ORP enabled seamless access for European researchers to an unparalleled array of observatories. With a total budget of €15 million, of which €60,000 was allocated to VIRAC and Ventspils University, the project supported VIRAC’s active participation in multiple scientific and collaborative activities. Among these activities, VIRAC regularly participates in EVN (European VLBI Network) observation sessions, held three times a year, as well as in monthly real-time e-VLBI sessions and EVN-lite observations, which serve as supplementary components to the main EVN observation programme. Participation in these activities has been actively supported and facilitated through the ORP (Opticon RadioNet Pilot) project. Additionally, VIRAC researchers are actively involved in the international scientific community, regularly attending major conferences and participating in training programs and exchange visits at leading European observatories. Activities such as transnational access to European ESFRI and ERIC research facilities, training programs, and support for the astronomical community will continue through one of the most significant outcomes of the ORP project—ACME (Astrophysics Centre for Multi-Messenger Studies in Europe). This new initiative aims to integrate not only optical and radio astronomy but also other branches of astrophysical observation, including gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays, fostering a truly multi-messenger approach to astronomy. This project has received funding from the European Union's research and innovation programme HORIZON 2020 under grant agreement No 101004719. Scientific Project Coordinator: Ivars Šmelds ( ivars.smelds@venta.lv ) Administrative Project Manager: Ieva Kozlova ( ieva.kozlova@venta.lv )
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