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Advances in functional foods: using double emulsion gels to deliver CBD and probiotics and to modulate human gut microbial communities /
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study examines the application of the novel double emulsion gel system for the delivery and release of encapsulated cannabidiol (CBD) and the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 24624. Methods: During a six-week experimental period comprising stabilization, treatment, and wash-out phases, the dynamic Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model was employed to assess a system. The evaluation focused on the delivery of CBD and probiotics, as well as the system's effects on microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic activity throughout the digestion process using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and digital PCR methods. Results: Microbial community analysis revealed significant shifts in both mucosal and luminal microbiota following supplementation. The treatment increased beneficial bacterial families such as Lachnospiraceae and Clostridiaceae, demonstrated effective delivery, release, and persistence of the probiotic L. plantarum, as well as enhanced butyrate and lactate production. Diversity analyses highlighted a transient rise in alpha diversity within the mucin layer and a decrease in the lumen, with significant changes in beta diversity across experimental phases. Conclusions: Findings suggest that double emulsion gel can be employed for the delivery of probiotics and CBD to the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, an innovative CBD-probiotic formulation can modulate gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, suggesting its potential as a functional food innovation for intestinal health. However, the results are based on an in vitro model, which lacks the complexity of the human host environment, and further clinical studies are necessary to confirm the biological relevance and therapeutic potential of such delivery systems for gastrointestinal health
Suitability of UAV-based RGB and multispectral photogrammetry for riverbed topography in hydrodynamic modelling /
No full textThis study assesses the suitability of UAV aerial imagery-based photogrammetry for reconstructing underwater riverbed topography and its application in two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic modelling, with a particular focus on comparing RGB, multispectral, and fused RGB–multispectral imagery. Four Lithuanian rivers—Verknė, Šušvė, Jūra, and Mūša—were selected to represent a wide range of hydromorphological and hydraulic conditions, including variations in bed texture, vegetation cover, and channel complexity. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) were generated from field-based surveys and UAV imagery processed using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry. Two-dimensional hydrodynamic models were created and calibrated in HEC-RAS 6.5 using measurement-based DEMs and subsequently applied using photogrammetry-derived DEMs to isolate the influence of terrain input on model performance. The results showed that UAV-derived DEMs systematically overestimate riverbed elevation, particularly in deeper or vegetated sections, resulting in underestimated water depths. RGB imagery provided greater spatial detail but was more susceptible to local anomalies, whereas multispectral imagery produced smoother surfaces with a stronger positive elevation bias. The fusion of RGB and multispectral imagery consistently reduced spatial noise and improved hydrodynamic simulation performance across all river types. Despite moderate vertical deviations of 0.10–0.25 m, relative flow patterns and velocity distributions were reproduced with acceptable accuracy. The findings demonstrate that combined spectral UAV aerial imagery in photogrammetry is a robust and cost-effective alternative for hydrodynamic modelling in shallow lowland rivers, particularly where relative hydraulic characteristics are of primary interest
Fabrication and performance evaluation of NiMOF@MGO-modified polysulfone membranes for heavy ,metal removal from wastewater /
No full textThis work presents a detailed analysis of polysulfone (PSF) based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) modified with NiMOF@MGO for water purification. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into the NiMOF@GO framework, with successful formation confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, BET, TGA, and SEM analyses. Membranes were prepared via phase inversion and modified with varying NiMOF@MGO contents. SEM, AFM, and contact angle analyses demonstrated enhanced membrane hydrophilicity with increasing MOF concentration, reducing the contact angle from 59.74° (0.05 wt%) to 49.70° (0.2 wt%). The highest flux of 117.85 L/m2·h was observed for the PMM-0.2 membrane. Heavy metal removal was most efficient at pH 6, with the PMM-0.1 membrane achieving 95.97% and 95.92% rejection for Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively. In oil-water separation, PMM-0.1 exhibited optimal performance, with a water flux of 45.84 L/m2·h. Antifouling tests showed the PMM-0.2 membrane had the highest flux recovery of 85.97%, indicating improved fouling resistance. Overall, incorporation of NiMOF@MGO significantly enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, flux, selectivity and antifouling performance, demonstrating its potential for advanced water purification applications
Research and evaluation of acoustic panels from clothing industry waste /
No full textThe problem of textile industry waste has become increasingly relevant. Recycling clothing industry waste to build acoustic panels is one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive ways to use clothing industry waste. We see a lack of information on the acoustic properties of panels made from waste from the clothing industry. The aim of this research is to determine the acoustic properties of a wide range of clothing industry waste recycled into acoustic panels. The acoustic panels were made from clothing industry waste, a different composition of textile and paper residues generated during digital printing processes. We see that panels made from square-cut scraps knitted and woven fabrics, and from yarns and fibers have relatively good acoustic properties. The panel made only of paper had good acoustic properties, the production of panels from paper and textile resulted in similar acoustic properties. Analyzing the acoustic properties of the double specimen, it was found that testing the double-layered panels, the insertion loss is better; by tripling the samples, it was found that although the acoustic properties improved, they were only marginal. Cellulose fiber boards were characterized by significantly higher air resistance. The air resistance of the boards made from fabric scraps was lower
The influence of a manager's leadership style on organizational trust in the financial sector.
No full textThe contemporary financial sector is characterized by high dynamism, strict regulation, and significant responsibility, making leadership a critical factor in organizational success. A trust-based work environment enhances employee motivation, engagement, and loyalty, particularly in the financial sector, where responsibility for clients’ funds, confidentiality, and stringent regulatory requirements make trust between managers and employees not only a moral value but also a fundamental condition for effective operations. Organizational trust is defined as employees’ belief in the integrity, competence, and consistency of both the leader and the organization. In this context, the choice of leadership style becomes a central factor determining whether trust within the organization is developed, maintained, or eroded. Values-based transformational leadership fosters mutual trust and psychological safety, whereas an authoritarian leadership style focused primarily on control undermines employee trust. Scientific research consistently treats organizational trust as an unequivocally positive phenomenon, positively influencing organizational performance and being associated with higher employee engagement, loyalty, and identification with organizational values. When appropriate leadership is ensured within a financial institution, it has a positive impact on employee behavior, as trust in the organization is strengthened, operational efficiency increases, and stable, high-quality organizational functioning is sustained. Based on this, it can be argued that the research topic is highly relevant; however, within the context of the financial sector, it remains insufficiently explored. Research object – the impact of a manager’s leadership styles on employees’ organizational trust in the financial sector. Project aim – to reveal the impact of a manager’s leadership styles on employees’ organizational trust in the financial sector. Main results of the project. The study revealed that respondents most actively observe the manifestation of the transformational leadership style in the activities of financial sector managers. The research identified that the prevailing overall level of employees’ organizational trust among respondents is slightly above average; the horizontal trust dimension stood out as the highest-rated, while impersonal trust was rated the lowest. When examining the impact of leadership style on employees’ organizational trust, it was determined that transformational leadership has a moderate positive effect on overall organizational trust, transactional leadership has a weak positive effect, and passive leadership has a negative effect on employees’ trust in the organization
Enhancing the attractiveness of library services for teenagers in a regional public library.
No full textIn recent decades, the library has become both a place for leisure activities and a learning institution. Adults most often choose traditional services such as borrowing books for home use, photocopying, internet access, and participation in events. Children under the age of 14, as users of library services, usually visit libraries accompanied by their parents, kindergarten teachers, or schoolteachers. They read books and participate in various events and educational activities, both in groups and individually. However, it should be noted that as children enter adolescence, they visit libraries less frequently and make less use of the services provided. For adolescents, the main purpose of visiting the library is reading compulsory school literature. This master’s thesis formulates several research questions: what factors determine the attractiveness of public library services for adolescents; what are the expectations of Generation Z and Generation Alpha in the context of public library services; and what possible scenarios exist for strengthening the attractiveness of public library services for adolescents in a regional context. The object of the research is public library services for adolescents. The aim of the thesis is to reveal opportunities to enhance the attractiveness of public library services for adolescents. To achieve this aim, the following objectives were set: to analyse public library services and their attractiveness to adolescents in a theoretical context; to identify the factors influencing the attractiveness of library services for adolescents; and to evaluate the preconditions for strengthening the attractiveness of library services for adolescents. The following data collection methods were employed: analysis of scientific literature and semi-structured interviews; the data analysis method applied was qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews. In the theoretical part of the thesis, based on the analysis of studies by foreign and Lithuanian scholars, adolescents’ needs in the context of library services were identified, public library services were analysed, and the factors determining their attractiveness or lack thereof were established. A total of 24 informants voluntarily participated in the study: 6 adolescents (aged 14–18), 6 of their parents, 6 teachers, and 6 librarians. In order to comprehensively explore the research topic, it was examined from the perspectives of different stakeholder groups, analysing how adolescents, their parents, teachers, and librarians identify the same problem and propose possible solutions. The qualitative research conducted made it possible to assess the accessibility and attractiveness of services for adolescents at the Jurgis Bielinis Public Library of the Biržai District Municipality from the perspectives of these groups. The findings of the study may be applied in the development and improvement of strategies aimed at strengthening public library services for adolescents
Barriers to the modernization of public services in Lithuanian municipalities.
No full textPublic service modernisation is one of the key challenges of contemporary public governance, aimed at increasing service accessibility, efficiency, quality, and citizen satisfaction. Global trends indicate that modernisation is most often associated with digitalisation, user orientation, data-driven decision making, and cross-sectoral cooperation; however, in practice these processes are frequently constrained by political, organisational, and managerial, technological, and user-level barriers. These challenges are particularly evident at the local government level, where modernisation initiatives face limited resources, political cyclicality, and divergent interests among stakeholders. The object of this study is the barriers to public service modernisation in Lithuanian municipalities. The aim of the study is to identify the factors limiting public service modernisation in Lithuanian municipalities. To achieve this aim, four objectives were formulated: to identify the trends and challenges of public service modernisation, to analyse the relevant scientific literature and develop an empirical research methodology, and to conduct an empirical case study of municipalities in the Tauragė region. The research methodology is based on the analysis of scientific literature, strategic documents, and legal acts, as well as on a qualitative empirical study. A case study approach was applied for the empirical research, using semi-structured interviews with municipal politicians and administrative representatives. This methodological approach made it possible to reveal not only the formal aspects of modernisation but also the subjective experiences, attitudes, and practical challenges encountered at the municipal level. The results of the study show that public service modernisation in the municipalities of the Tauragė region is most strongly constrained by political barriers related to electoral cyclicality, criticism from political opponents, and the negative influence of local media; administrative barriers such as slow acceptance of change, heavy workloads, and a lack of leadership; technological barriers, including insufficient and fragmented funding, malfunctioning information systems, and complex inter-institutional data exchange; and user-related barriers associated with insufficient digital skills, entrenched habits, and the demand for face-to-face interaction. The study reveals that these barriers are interrelated and reinforce one another, indicating that the challenges of public service modernisation cannot be addressed in a fragmented manner. Based on the research findings, the insights presented in this study suggest that reducing barriers to public service modernisation requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing strengthened strategic communication, long-term planning, the development of administrative leadership, sustainable financing of technological solutions, and a user-oriented, hybrid service delivery model. This approach creates the preconditions for not only technologically advanced but also socially sustainable public service modernisation in Lithuanian municipalities
Experimental and numerical assessment of fiber orientation effects in biaxial glass/vinyl ester laminates /
No full textThis study analyzes the mechanical behavior of a quasi-isotropic biaxial glass fiber-vinyl ester composite in a multiaxial stress condition and the effect of the orientation of the fibers. A ply structure was created through the process of vacuum infusion using six layers of biaxial fabric that were oriented to 15°. Tensile samples were isolated at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees relative to the warp direction. It was found that strength and stiffness strongly depend on orientation, with maximum tensile strengths of 157.2 MPa at 90° and 125 MPa at 0°, and minimum tensile strengths 59.6 MPa at 15°, showing fiber and shear failures, respectively. MAT_124 underwent finite element analysis in LS-DYNA, and the results were excellent, with a difference of less than 1.5%. Three-point bending and Charpy impact tests indicated that flexural properties were lower at 15° and 90°, whereas off-axis orientations were generally better at impact energy absorption, although at 45°, binding sites were few and far between. The results have important implications for the design of laminates subjected to complicated loads
Topical delivery of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria using calcium alginate microspheres as a probiotic carrier system with enhanced therapeutic potential /
No full textBackground/Objectives: Three distinct strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from naturally fermented bread sourdough and representing the local autochthonous microflora, were selected to evaluate their potential probiotic properties. In addition, we evaluated whether these strains could be used in topical formulations. Methods: We evaluated probiotic properties such as the ability to co-aggregate with pathogens, antimicrobial activity, inhibition of pathogenic biofilms, and ability to adhere to human keratinocyte cells. Further, bacteria were encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres using the emulsification/external gelation method, and their viability in topical formulations was assessed. Results: LAB significantly inhibited biofilm formation by the tested pathogens with complete inhibition observed in certain cases. The strength and specificity of these probiotic effects varied depending on the LAB strain and the target pathogen. Furthermore, among the tested strains, L. reuteri 182 exhibited the highest adhesion rates, reaching 77.94 ± 1.84%. In the context of potential topical applications, the preservative present in the formulation completely inactivated the planktonic cells of L. reuteri 182. In contrast, encapsulation within a biopolymeric system conferred protection against the preservative's bactericidal effect. After 35 days of storage at room temperature, viable cell counts reached 5.94 ± 0.06 lg CFU/g. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that local LAB strains, specifically L. reuteri 182 and L. plantarum F1, possess essential probiotic characteristics and can be effectively incorporated into preservative-containing topical formulations via efficient encapsulation strategies. This underscores the potential of these topical probiotics for skin health and highlights the need for clear regulatory guidance to ensure their safe and effective application
A mobile robotic approach to autonomous surface scanning in legal medicine /
No full textPURPOSE: Comprehensive legal medicine documentation includes internal and external examination of the corpse. Typically, this documentation is conducted manually during conventional autopsy. Systematic digital documentation would be desirable, especially for external wound examination, which is becoming more relevant for legal medicine analysis. For this purpose, RGB surface scanning has been introduced. While manual full-surface scanning using a handheld camera is time-consuming and operator-dependent, floor or ceiling-mounted robotic systems require specialized rooms. Hence, we consider whether a mobile robotic system can be used for external documentation.
METHODS: We develop a mobile robotic system that enables full-body RGB-D surface scanning. Our work includes a detailed configuration space analysis to identify the environmental parameters that must be considered for a successful surface scan. We validate our findings through an experimental study in the lab and demonstrate the systems application in legal medicine.
RESULTS: Our configuration space analysis shows that a good trade-off between coverage and time is reached with three robot base positions, leading to a coverage of 94.96 %. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the system in accurately capturing body surface geometry with an average surface coverage of 96.90 ± 3.16 % and 92.45 ± 1.43 % for a body phantom and actual corpses, respectively.
CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates the potential of a mobile robotic system to automate RGB-D surface scanning in legal medicine, complementing post-mortem CT scans for inner documentation. Our results indicate that the proposed system can contribute to more efficient, autonomous legal medicine documentation, reducing the need for manual intervention