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Enhancing sustainability in municipal solid waste management: an anaerobic-based scenario for Kaunas MBT /
No full textThe Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) facility plays a vital role in the management of municipal solid waste (MSW). A Life Cycle Assessment of the current operations at the Kaunas MBT reveals that the facility processes have a negative environmental impact. This impact can be minimized by reducing the carbon footprint. This study presents the activities of the MBT in the Kaunas Region, Lithuania, and proposes a scenario to reduce the carbon footprint of the Kaunas MBT. The Kaunas MBT processes waste collected from four different municipalities in the Kaunas region. The MBT residues are disposed in two landfill sites for non-hazardous waste. Biodegradable waste is composted using an aerobic technique inside composting tunnels, and afterward, the composted material is used in landscaping. Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) produced by the MBT is transferred to the Kaunas incineration plant for energy production. This article proposes a scenario to replace the aerobic composting of biodegradable waste at the MBT with anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. This biogas can be used to generate electricity, meeting the energy demands of the MBT facility. As a result, the Kaunas MBT facility could be considered a Green MBT. This facility requires a load of 2.2MW to operate smoothly, consuming 19.27 million kWh annually. If the MBT is modified according to aforementioned proposed scenario, 72240 tons per year of biodegradable material can generate 87.70 million kWh annually
Identification of 3-[(4-acetylphenyl)(4-phenylthiazol-2-Yl)amino]propanoic acid derivatives as promising scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer candidates targeting SIRT2 and EGFR /
No full textA series of novel polysubstituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antiproliferative properties were evaluated using both 2D and 3D lung cancer models. Methods: The compounds were obtained via esterification, oximation, hydrazinolysis, and condensation reactions. Results: Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the antiproliferative activity was structure-dependent. Notably, oxime derivatives 21 and 22, along with carbohydrazides 25 and 26, exhibited low micromolar activity that was significantly greater than that of cisplatin (p < 0.005), a standard chemotherapeutic agent. These compounds demonstrated potent, antiproliferative activity against H69 small-cell lung carcinoma cells, as well as anthracycline-resistant H69AR cells. Moreover, compounds 21, 22, 25, and 26 effectively induced cell death in A549 agarose-based 3D spheroids, further supporting their potential therapeutic application. The in silico studies proposed that compound 22 is able to interact with human SIRT2 and EGFR via conserved amino acid residues. Conclusions: The ability of these thiazole derivatives to target both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer models highlights their promise as scaffolds for further optimization and preclinical development. Future studies will focus on structural modifications to enhance potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties, paving the way for the development of novel thiazole-based antiproliferative agents
Struktūrinės tekstilės paviršiaus ėsdinimo parametrų optimizavimas ir panaudojimo galimybių tyrimas /
No full textRelationships between consumer environmental knowledge, perceived greenwashing, and brand trust.
No full textThe relevance and problem of the project. Growing consumer concern about the environment and climate change encourages them to look for products that are environmentally friendly. This leads to an increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. Brands, noticing the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products, respond to the demand by expanding the range of products offered or improving existing ones. However, there are cases when the easiest way is chosen to attract sustainable consumers - the use of false or misleading communication, called greenwashing. When using greenwashing, the aim is to present brand as an environmentally friendly, although this is not true. Studies show that consumers with lower levels of environmental knowledge are more easily influenced by greenwashing. Without noticing that greenwashing is being used, the brand may achieve the desired results, but if the consumer perceives greenwashing, a negative result may be achieved, such as decreased trust in the brand. After evaluating existing research analyzing consumer environmental knowledge, perceived greenwashing, and brand trust, a need for research examining these constructs together was identified. The research problem is formulated: what are the relationships between consumer environmental knowledge, perceived green brainwashing, and brand trust? Project object - relationships between consumer environmental knowledge, perceived greenwashing, and brand trust. The aim of the study - to theoretically justify and empirically test relationships between consumer environmental knowledge, perceived greenwashing, and brand trust. Research results. The results of the empirical study showed that the effect of consumer environmental knowledge on the ability to perceive greenwashing depends on the product condition. In the case of a honest green brand, a statistically significant effect of environmental knowledge on the ability to perceive greenwashing was observed, but in the case of honest non-green and greenwashed brands, consumers with higher environmental knowledge did not show a correct assessment of perceived greenwashing. In the overall assessment of consumer ability to perceive greenwashing, it was observed that the honest green brand was perceived as green. When assessing the effect of the intervention on the ability to perceive greenwashing, a change in consumer assessment was observed, i.e. the intervention helped to better perceive greenwashing and the brand using greenwashing was most perceived as using greenwashing. When examining the effect of perceived greenwashing on brand trust, it was found that brand trust does not decrease when brand is perceived as using greenwashing
The relationship between robotic service proactivity, perceived robotic empathy, perceived robotic anthropomorphism, and consumers’ intention to participate in value co-creation.
No full textArtificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI) is developing and penetrating various business industries. Investments in AI technologies by business and government institutions are growing every year, and AI-based service robots are already performing some service functions. For example, an AI-based voice assistant is already operating in Taco Bell restaurants, and AI robots moving around the airport help passengers navigate at one of the Istanbul airports. The Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation is implementing projects to develop the use of AI in Lithuania, and taking into account the aging factor of the population, in the future AI can help perform or take over some tasks in certain business sectors. Project problem. Although businesses are increasingly using AI in their daily processes and customer service, there is little research on AI and value co-creation. Scientific analyses have revealed a positive impact of proactive robotic service on consumer trust, value co-creation intention, engagement, and creating a sense of closeness. Scientific articles also note that perceived empathy has a positive impact on consumers, but the results of different studies are not always consistent. The results of studies on the impact of robotic anthropomorphism perception on value co-creation intention also do not always coincide. Although anthropomorphic features promote value co-creation, in certain contexts, too strong anthropomorphism has the opposite effect. It is worth noting that the ability of service robots to promote value creation through empathy has not been studied in Lithuania. Thus, due to the growing use of AI, contradictory results in scientific articles and the small number of studies, it is important to further delve into the impact of proactive robotic service on perceived robotic empathy and value co-creation intention and the moderating effect of anthropomorphic perception. Research object: the relationships robotic service proactivity, perceived robotic empathy, perceived robotic anthropomorphism, and consumers’ intention to participate in value co-creation. The aim of the research is to theoretically and empirically substantiate the relationships between robotic service proactivity, perceived robotic empathy, perceived robotic anthropomorphism, and consumers’ intention to participate in value co-creation. Research objectives: 1. to reveal the relevance and problematic of research on proactive robotic service, perceived robot empathy, perceived robot anthropomorphism and consumer intention to participate in value co-creation; 5 2. to theoretically argue the links between proactive robotic service, perceived robot empathy, perceived robot anthropomorphism and consumer intention to participate in value co-creation, to develop a conceptual model; 3. to develop a methodology for researching the links between proactive robotic service, perceived robot empathy, perceived robot anthropomorphism and consumer intention to participate in value co-creation; 4. to empirically verify the links between proactive robotic service, perceived robot empathy, perceived robot anthropomorphism and consumer intention to participate in value co-creation; 5. to present the limitations and further research directions of the research on proactive robotic service, perceived robot empathy, perceived robot anthropomorphism and consumer intention to participate in value co-creation. Main project results. The results of the study show that whether a robot has a face or not does not significantly affect how users perceive the robot's anthropomorphism. However, users are more likely to participate in value co-creation when the robot's proactivity is high. Perceived robot anthropomorphism does not have a moderating effect on the relationship between robot proactivity and users' intention to participate in value co-creation. Robot proactivity did not affect perceived robotic empathy, and perceived robotic empathy did not have a mediating effect on the relationship between robotic service proactivity and users' intention to participate in value co-creation. A linear regression analysis showed that the perceived gender of the robot had a statistically significant positive effect on users' intention to participate in value co-creation
Manganese coatings: temperature influence on eletrochemical Deposition /
No full textManganese as an element is widely used in a wide range of industries. Its application in steel production has led to attempts to recycle it from batteries or other electronic devices. Electrochemical deposition is a low-energy process, but the electronegativity of manganese limits this process. Supplementing the electrolyte with other materials can improve the efficiency of electrochemical deposition, for example selenium, sulfur and tellurium compounds [1]. Selenium and sulfur compounds are the most widely studied electrolyte additives, and they have a positive effect on the electrodeposition of manganese coatings. Although the use of SeO2 and H2SO3 have proved effective the drawbacks, selenium compound toxicity and sulfurs corrosive properties, leave more to be desired. Research on insertion of tellurium additives in manganese coatings is scarce and by that this research seeks to expand it [2]. The carbon steel (ASTM A283, grade A) plates were used as a substrate for electrodeposition of Mn coatings. NaOH and HCl solutions were used for degreasing and etching the surface of carbon steel plates before electrodeposition process, respectively. After each of these procedures, the rinsing with distilled water was applied. Electrochemical deposition was carried out in aqueous electrolyte containing the mixture of MnSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 (·5H2O). The ammonium complexes in solution inhibit the formation of manganese hydroxides, resulting in denser and thicker manganese coatings [3]. Sodium tellurate (Na2TeO4·2H2O) was used as electrolyte additive; pH of electrolyte was maintained about 2.32. During electrochemical deposition two lead anodes, coated with lead(IV) oxide (Pb/PbO2), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) woven membrane, separating the anode and cathode compartments, were used. Deposition lasted for 7 minutes with a cathodic current density of 15 A/dm2, at four different temperatures: 20, 40, 60, 80 °C. The results of deposition under these conditions are displayed in Table 1. [...]
Impact of visual literacy on consumers’ responses to advertising and the advertised brand.
No full textThe digital transformation that began in the late 20th century has changed the way information is transmitted – visual communication has become one of the primary forms of modern communication. This shift has increased the importance of visual content in marketing and encourages consumers to interpret presented information more attentively. Existing research indicates that visual literacy enables more effective understanding, evaluation and interpretation of visual communication. However, little attention has been paid to its impact on consumer responses to advertising and the advertised brand. Therefore, it is important to examine the role that visual literacy plays in shaping consumer behavior within the context of advertising and brand. Based on this, the central research question of this master’s final degree project is: how does visual literacy influence consumer response to advertising and the advertised brand, as reflected in information perception, engagement with the advertisement, trust in the advertisement content, trust in the brand, and brand choice? The aim of the project is to theoretically and empirically substantiate the impact of visual literacy on consumer responses to advertising and advertised brand. Main project results. To achieve the aim of the project, five objectives were outlined, the implementation of which is supported by the research findings. The literature review revealed that visual literacy is an interdisciplinary construct, defined as the ability to interpret and critically evaluate visual information. The theoretical analysis enabled the identification of five forms of consumer response to advertising and advertised brand: information perception, engagement, trust in advertising content, trust in the brand and brand choice. These forms of consumer response, linked to the construct of visual literacy, served as the foundation for the conceptual model. A mixed-methods approach was applied to analyze the model: interviews were conducted with 10 advertising experts, and a survey was carried out with 255 respondents. The qualitative research results helped define the context for the quantitative study – the analysis of “Burga” brand advertisements on the Instagram platform. Quantitative data confirmed the structure of the conceptual model and the descriptive analysis showed that respondents tended to evaluate their visual literacy positively, as reflected through their competencies and level of skepticism. Respondents who had a personal connection with the “Burga” brand or had seen its advertisements more frequently on Instagram rated their visual literacy skills and the analyzed advertisement more positively. Regression analysis revealed a positive impact of visual literacy on information perception, behavior-based engagement with the advertisement, trust in advertising content, perceived usefulness of the advertisement, and brand choice. However, no significant effect was found on psychological engagement, perceived advertising credibility, or trust in the brand
A framework of preconditions for the application of artificial intelligence in business processes of small and medium-sized enterprises.
No full textThe thesis examines how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can successfully apply artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into their business processes. Despite the rapid development of AI technologies, governmental initiatives, and other incentives, SMEs still encounter significant challenges when incorporating these technologies. A substantial gap persists between SMEs and large corporations in AI uptake: larger firms integrate new technologies much faster and, as a result, achieve higher added value more quickly. Consequently, there is a need to understand these differences and help SMEs systematically assess the prerequisites for AI deployment so they can apply the technology more purposefully and effectively in their operations. During the literature review, six core dimensions were identified: strategic preparedness, technological resources and infrastructure, competence development, ethics and responsibility, financial resources and organizational management. Based on these dimensions and after analyzing existing frameworks, a framework of preconditions for the application of AI in business processes of SMEs was created. The framework was empirically validated through a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with SME managers. The collected data confirmed the relevance of all six dimensions and highlighted those that are of the most importance. Although no new dimensions emerged, the research enriched the framework with practical insights
Assessment of the competitiveness of the Lithuanian transport and logistics sector in the context of economic shocks.
No full textThe transport and logistics sector plays an important role in Lithuania’s economy – it contributes to GDP growth, employment, and the facilitation of international trade. The sector’s competitiveness is particularly significant under globalization, where performance is influenced not only by internal factors (such as infrastructure quality, innovation, regulatory environment), but also by external shocks (economic crises, geopolitical conflicts). In recent years, events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, global supply chain disruptions, rapidly rising inflation and spikes in energy prices have highlighted the sector’s vulnerability to external shocks. This makes it crucial to assess how economic shocks affect the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector, especially given the lack of prior quantitative studies on this issue. The aim of the study is to evaluate the competitiveness of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector in the context of economic shocks and to identify the key factors affecting its performance and adaptability to market changes. The main objectives are as follows: 1. To analyse the problematic aspects of competitiveness in Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector. 2. To identify the main economic shocks and the mechanisms through which they affect the transport and logistics sector. 3. To assess the competitiveness factors of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector by applying M. Porter’s diamond model and econometric analysis. 4. To develop recommendations for strengthening the competitiveness of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector based on the research findings. The study applies both theoretical and empirical methods, including macroenvironmental analysis (PESTEL, Porter’s diamond), literature review, statistical analysis, and econometric modelling methods – stationarity testing of time series, Granger causality test, and the ARDL model. The empirical part covers the period 2005–2024 and analyses Lithuania’s macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment, foreign trade flows) and sectoral indicators (revenue) based on official statistical sources (Statistics Lithuania, Eurostat, etc.). The literature review shows that the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector is influenced by a variety of factors. The most important include operational efficiency, cost management, high-quality infrastructure, innovation adoption, a skilled workforce, and the ability to integrate into international supply chains. A competitive transport sector usually contributes to economic growth, expands trade volumes, increases investment attractiveness, and helps balance international trade. The literature highlights that economic shocks (e.g., demand decline or sudden cost increases) may temporarily reduce competitiveness indicators, but appropriate government policy or business strategies (e.g., cost optimization, market diversification, digitalization) can help mitigate the negative effects. Efficient sectoral competitiveness enhancement tools mentioned in the literature include investments in transport infrastructure, financial and fiscal support measures, strategic planning, and public–private cooperation – all these measures may contribute to a more effective logistics policy under shock conditions. The transport and logistics sector plays an important role in Lithuania’s economy – it contributes to GDP growth, employment, and the facilitation of international trade. The sector’s competitiveness is particularly significant under globalization, where performance is influenced not only by internal factors (such as infrastructure quality, innovation, regulatory environment), but also by external shocks (economic crises, geopolitical conflicts). In recent years, events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, global supply chain disruptions, rapidly rising inflation and spikes in energy prices have highlighted the sector’s vulnerability to external shocks. This makes it crucial to assess how economic shocks affect the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector, especially given the lack of prior quantitative studies on this issue. The aim of the study is to evaluate the competitiveness of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector in the context of economic shocks and to identify the key factors affecting its performance and adaptability to market changes. The main objectives are as follows: 1. To analyse the problematic aspects of competitiveness in Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector. 2. To identify the main economic shocks and the mechanisms through which they affect the transport and logistics sector. 3. To assess the competitiveness factors of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector by applying M. Porter’s diamond model and econometric analysis. 4. To develop recommendations for strengthening the competitiveness of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector based on the research findings. The study applies both theoretical and empirical methods, including macroenvironmental analysis (PESTEL, Porter’s diamond), literature review, statistical analysis, and econometric modelling methods – stationarity testing of time series, Granger causality test, and the ARDL model. The empirical part covers the period 2005–2024 and analyses Lithuania’s macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment, foreign trade flows) and sectoral indicators (revenue) based on official statistical sources (Statistics Lithuania, Eurostat, etc.). The literature review shows that the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector is influenced by a variety of factors. The most important include operational efficiency, cost management, high-quality infrastructure, innovation adoption, a skilled workforce, and the ability to integrate into international supply chains. A competitive transport sector usually contributes to economic growth, expands trade volumes, increases investment attractiveness, and helps balance international trade. The literature highlights that economic shocks (e.g., demand decline or sudden cost increases) may temporarily reduce competitiveness indicators, but appropriate government policy or business strategies (e.g., cost optimization, market diversification, digitalization) can help mitigate the negative effects. Efficient sectoral competitiveness enhancement tools mentioned in the literature include investments in transport infrastructure, financial and fiscal support measures, strategic planning, and public–private cooperation – all these measures may contribute to a more effective logistics policy under shock conditions. The empirical results revealed that the main macroeconomic variables have a significant effect on the competitiveness of Lithuania’s transport and logistics sector. Granger causality tests showed that changes in GDP, imports and inflation statistically explain fluctuations in transport sector revenue (exports were excluded due to high correlation with imports, and unemployment due to weak direct link). ARDL model results revealed that in the long term, GDP growth has a positive effect on sectoral revenue (e.g., a €1 million GDP increase results in an average sectoral revenue growth of ~€0.37 million), while inflation shock has a strong negative effect (a 1 p.p. rise in inflation reduces sectoral revenue by ~€38 million). These results confirm that the sector is closely linked to the macroeconomic environment: during economic upturns, the activities of transport companies expand, whereas in the event of a sudden demand shock, they suffer significant revenue losses. Therefore, the sector’s competitiveness strongly depends on macroeconomic stability. In practical terms, maintaining high competitiveness during periods of economic shocks requires the implementation of macroeconomic stabilisation measures (especially inflation control) and targeted policies (e.g., depreciation incentives, fuel excise relief or crisis-related subsidies). Investments in infrastructure, innovation, and the digitalization of logistics processes are also essential for strengthening the sector’s resilience and ensuring long-term competitiveness
Review and novel framework with Hui–Walter method and Bayesian approach for estimation of uncertain remaining value in refurbished products /
No full textConsumers’ growing interest in sustainability and the consideration of purchasing second-hand products present conditions for developing and improving a new method for Remaining Value (RV) estimation. The remaining value refers to the value of an end-of-life product that has been inspected, repaired, if necessary, and prepared for resale. Through the literature review, the main blockers, trustworthiness, price, and quality, were identified as preventing consumers from purchasing used products. Trustworthiness could be ensured by evaluating used products in an automated and model-based manner. To enhance consumers’ confidence, this study proposes a novel framework to assess the remaining value of non-new products by incorporating the diagnostic test results, even in the absence of a gold standard for model comparison and evaluation. This research expands the application of the Hui–Walter method beyond medical diagnostics by adapting it to sustainability-focused estimation. The proposed framework is designed to assist consumers in making data-informed purchase decisions and support retailers in assessing the market price while contributing to the environmental pillar of sustainability by reducing waste and resource consumption and extending the product lifetime. This work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action) by providing quantifiable methods to extend the product lifecycle and minimize electronic waste. While this study focuses on developing the theoretical framework, future work will apply and validate this framework using empirical case studies and compare it with the remaining value estimation models