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ES ekonomikos autonomija (arba priklausomybė) nuo kritinių paslaugų naujosios ES pramonės politikos ir ekonominio saugumo kontekste.
No full textThe paper addresses the following scientific problem: the autonomy (or dependence) of the EU industry on critical services in the context of reindustrialisation and economic security. Thus, this paper aims to capture the competitive position of critical services from both EU and non-EU origins within the European Single Market, in light of the New EU Industrial Policy and economic security. To this end we analysed 1) changes in rate of provision of critical services in the EU broken down by origin of providers; 2) a share of these services in total international service provision in the EU broken down by origin of providers; 3) competitive position of critical services and its changes in the EU market regarding the origin of the services providers; and finally, 4) competitive and trade positions of EU and non-EU critical services providers. Data on trade in services were obtained from the Eurostat International Trade in Services Database and are presented according to the Eurostat Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010). In order to identify the position of the EU and non-EU critical service providers to the European Union’s companies, we employ two specialisation measures commonly used in the trade literature - the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and the Trade Balance Index (TBI). The combination of the two indicators was visualised using the matrix proposed by Widodo adjusted to the aim of this research. In the first part of the paper, a literature review is presented, followed by a statistical analysis of trade and competitive positions of EU and non-EU critical services providers. The discussion, which is rather limited due to the small number of publications dealing with the problem raised, is presented. Finally, the paper ends with conclusions, policy recommendations and directions of further research. Our research allowed to state that the competitive position of critical services of EU providers is higher within the European Single Market in comparison to non-EU providers. This leads au to a conclusion that the EU maintains some level of autonomy in critical services and strengthened it over the last fifteen years (2010-2024)
Case study of CBL integration into strategic project management course for master students :
No full textViešųjų paslaugų darbuotojų įgalinimas: Dizainu grįsto mąstymo ir Agile metodų vaidmuo didinant profesionalizmą.
No full textIn recent decades, the approach to public services management has undergone significant transformation (Osborne 2021), driven in part by the evolving context in which these services operate, characterized by the VUCA environment (Van der Wal 2017). As a result, a fundamental shift in management methods has become essential. Design thinking and Agile methods have been touted as potential catalysts for this shift. However, despite their growing popularity, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in public services management is scarce. This research aims to contribute to filling this knowledge gap by exploring how these methods can be leveraged to enhance public professionals’ capabilities and ultimately improve services management. Drawing on empirical research from a case study of municipal administration (issuing permits for managing protected vegetation on non-forest land) implementing combined Design thinking and Agile methods, involving real-world data and observations, this research identifies how Design thinking and Agile methods enhance the professionalism of public employees. In such way this research broadens understanding on how Design thinking and Agile methods impact public services management and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving public services delivery through innovative management approaches. Results of research showed that in a VUCA environment, public employees need new competencies such as cognitive, analytical, intercultural and personal effectiveness that help them flexibly adapt to constantly changing conditions, solve problems creatively and collaborate effectively. Combining Design thinking and Agile methods (Scrum and Kanban) into public service management can significantly improve service quality and customer satisfaction, as these methods encourage innovation and strengthen the professionalism of employees. It is important that the organization’s culture, training and resources are properly adapted to apply these methods effectively. When properly implemented, these methods can improve service management, employee engagement, and organizational performance
Tacit sustainability in the countryside: cultural and ecological layers of Lithuanian heritage homestead /
No full textThis research is an in-depth qualitative case study of a historic homestead in the town of Čekiškė, located in Lithuania, through the lens of sustainability aesthetics and cultural ecology. The research addresses a gap in the literature where aesthetic expressions of sustainability are predominantly examined in urban settings, while rural hybrid environments, intertwining urban and traditional features, remain underexplored. The homestead, with architectural and landscape features dating back to the early 20th century, was studied across four temporal stages: the interwar period (1922–1946), the early Soviet period (1946–1976), late Soviet to post-independence (1976–2021), and the period of a proposed vision for its sustainable development (2025 and beyond). The theoretical framework developed and applied in this research combines four complementary approaches: (1) the cultural ecology model by J. Steward, (2) environmental ethics trends (egocentrism, homocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism), (3) the principles of biophilic design, and (4) the ecological aesthetics framework by M. DeKay. Data collection included continuous qualitative in-depth on-site observations, analysis of the relevant literature sources, archival documents and photographs, and the recording of information in photographs and drawings. The findings reveal nuanced and evolving aesthetic expressions of sustainability tied to cultural practices, land use, ownership attitudes, and environmental perception. While earlier periods of development of the analyzed homestead reflected utilitarian and homocentric relations with the environment, later stages showed increased detachment from ecological sensitivity, resulting in the degradation of both material and intangible heritage; future perspectives of the homestead being transformed into a private museum, actualizing heritage through sustainability aesthetics, were also presented. The study highlights the role of tacit knowledge and lived experience in shaping hybrid sustainable aesthetics and provides insights for design and landscape planning in rural and small town heritage contexts. The research reveals that sustainability aesthetics in rural hybrid spaces is shaped by a confluence of environmental adaptation, socio-cultural transitions, and embedded values. It argues for a more context-sensitive and historically aware approach to sustainability discourse, particularly in heritage conservation and rural development
Perforuotų metamaterijų akustinės savybės: biokompozitinių ir sintetinių laidžių medžiagų lyginamoji analizė.
No full textPerforated metamaterials are developed for innovative sound control within this research. This study investigates the effects of varying infill patterns (50 % and 100 %) of perforation on conductive TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) circular samples (30 mm diameter, with 3 mm wall thickness), which were produced via FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printing and tested using an impedance tube setup. The acoustic performance of 3D-printed perforated metamaterials made from bio-composite materials (ProtoPasta Conductive PLA) and synthetic conductive materials (Nylforce and Ninjatek) is explored, emphasising the potential for reducing the environmental impact through the use of bio-composites. Acoustic testing covered a frequency range of 160 Hz to 5 kHz, with adjustable back cavity depths of 8.5 mm, 23.5 mm, and 43.5 mm to assess a wide range of frequency absorption capabilities. The results indicate that thicker samples (50 mm) with 100 % infill show superior absorption, particularly at mid-to-high frequencies (2000–5000 Hz), while lower infill densities reduce absorption efficiency. Statistical analysis confirmed that conductive TPU showed slightly higher mean absorption than conductive PLA, particularly in denser configurations, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, back cavity depth significantly influenced performance, with deeper cavities enhancing low-frequency absorption. Perforation density and infill geometry played a crucial role in absorption tuning. The comparative analysis underscores the feasibility of sustainable, multifunctional noise control solutions. The findings suggest that perforated metamaterials can be optimised for broad-spectrum and low-frequency noise mitigation, making them suitable for electromagnetic shielding applications
Relationship management as a dimension of emotional intelligence for project value co-creation /
No full textIn recent decades, more and more attention has been paid to Emotional intelligence (EI) in Project management (PM). The increasing necessity to work together with many people representing different organizations and nationalities requires the ability to create and manage relationships. A considerable number of studies prove the huge relevance of soft skills like teamwork, leadership, relationship management and stakeholders’ engagement for projects success and its value. Although concepts of EI and Project value co-creation are dynamic research areas widely analyzed by scientific community in the recent years, there is a gap in research works between relationship management as a dimension of EI and project value co-creation. The paper aims to explore how EI competencies, with a particular focus on relationship management— recognized as the strongest personnel related competence - foster project value co-creation. The paper introduces a research model that demonstrates how stakeholder relationship management mediates the co-creation of project value with stakeholders and the overall creation of project value. The stakeholders’ relationship management is part of a complex project management ecology. In response to the literature review and quantitative research data collected as a case study among project managers at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania, the paper debates how project stakeholders’ relationship management as part of emotional intelligence concept should be treated as a strategic element for the project value co-creation. This approach broadens the conventional understanding of project stakeholders’ relationship management. Consequently, managing project stakeholders’ relationship management through the dimensions of emotional intelligence offers new insights into the way how project managers could enhance their skills through engagement with stakeholders in order to create project value in a more efficient way
Flat plasmonic biosensor with an on-chip metagrating-integrated laser /
No full textMetasurfaces are emerging as a transformative platform in optics, offering compact and versatile alternatives to bulky traditional components. Here, we present a metasurface-enabled, on-chip surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that enables label-free biomolecular analysis in a miniaturized, chip-scale format. By integrating flat metaoptics together with semiconductor lasers, a collimated fan of light for angle-resolved SPR measurements can be emitted directly into a glass substrate, eliminating the need for conventional optics. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate a bulk refractive index sensitivity of 4.9 × 10-6 RIU, along with multiplexed detection of low-molecular-weight microRNA with limits of detection of 0.1 nM via direct sensing and 0.02 nM with antibody amplification. The scalability of metasurface fabrication, coupled with the low cost of semiconductor lasers, suggests this platform can be readily adapted for diverse sensing modalities and mass manufacture, potentially transforming SPR beyond its conventional, benchtop implementations
Noninvasive therapeutic technologies: stimulation of physiological processes /
No full textThis open access book unveils groundbreaking advancements in non-invasive therapeutic technologies, focusing on the integration of digital twins and artificial intelligence to enhance circulatory health. At the heart of this book is the exploration of innovative solutions that promise to revolutionize medical practices and patient care. The chapters delve into critical topics such as ultrasonic and vibrational blood flow activation, acoustic activation of human circulatory parameters, and acoustofluidic separation of bioparticles. Readers will discover how low-frequency ultrasound can safely dissociate erythrocytes from aggregates, reduce blood pressure and improve blood gas metabolism within minutes, and manage pulmonary hypertension without medication. The book also highlights the development of smart devices like the "Vilim ball" for tremor therapy and other patented technologies aimed at improving blood flow in diabetic patients and those with mobility impairments. This essential volume is a must-read for researchers, clinicians, and practitioners in the fields of biomedical engineering, mechatronics, and healthcare technology. It offers invaluable insights into cutting-edge therapeutic strategies that are set to transform both clinical settings and home care environments