16168 research outputs found
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Towards ultrasensitive biosensors based on virus-like particles and plasmonic surface lattice resonance /
No full textPlasmonic surface lattice resonance (SLR) is a phenomenon in which individual localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) excited in periodically-arranged plasmonic nanoparticles couple through the interaction with the propagating diffracted incident light. The SLR optical absorption peak is by at least one order of magnitude more intense than the LSPR one, making SLR superior for applications in which LSPR is commonly used. Recently, we have developed a route for the fabrication of spherical virus-like particles (VLPs) with plasmonic Au cores and protein coronas, where the LSPR in the cores amplifies vibrational Raman signals originating from protein-antibody interactions [ACS Synth. Biol. 12 (2023) 2320]. The particles are promising for biosensing, however, the intensity of the signals recorded in solution is not strong enough to detect antibodies at very low concentrations. Here, we show that by ordering the VLPs in periodic nanoarrays exhibiting SLR amplifies the signals by two orders of magnitude, revealing superior potential of VLP-SLR arrays in ultrasensitive biodetection
Moisture absorption and its modelling of polymer systems incorporated with layered double hydroxide particles /
No full textThe integration of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) into polymer systems offers significant potential for enhancing material properties, particularly for multilayer coatings used in aeronautical and offshore sectors. These materials serve as eco-friendly nanofillers with ion-exchange capabilities, which enable them to interact with and stabilise various chemical species, improving properties such as flame retardancy, thermal stability, and barrier performance [1, 2]. In the context of corrosion protection, this mechanism allows the capture and immobilisation of corrosive anions, thereby enhancing moisture resistance and structural integrity [3]. This study investigates the moisture absorption behaviour of epoxy-based polymer systems modified with Mg-Al/NO3 LDH nanoparticles (up to 5 wt%). The aim is to characterise moisture sorption parameters, validate the computational model based on Fick's law of diffusion using obtained parameters, and simulate more complex absorption cases for multilayer systems. Experimental investigations were conducted under diverse environmental conditions, including distilled water, seawater, concentrated salt solutions (up to 26 wt%), and elevated temperatures (up to 50 °C). The results indicated that the diffusion coefficient of water in the epoxy matrix increased significantly with temperature, showing a 3–5-fold rise in hot water compared to room temperature. The presence of salts in water also influenced the diffusion behaviour, increasing the diffusion coefficient by up to 25 % in concentrated salt solutions. Equilibrium moisture content varied with environmental conditions; for example, a higher salinity of 26 wt% reduced water absorption capacity by up to two times. Conversely, elevated temperatures of 50 °C increased equilibrium moisture content by 20–30 %. These findings were further used to inform the development of a numerical model based on Fick's law of diffusion, employing the finite-difference method for accurate moisture concentration field predictions in single and multilayer systems. The validated models demonstrated excellent agreement with experimental data, capturing the temporal and spatial distribution of absorbed moisture across multilayered structures
On error estimation and convergence of the difference scheme for a nonlinear elliptic equation with an integral boundary condition /
No full textIn this paper, a two-dimensional nonlinear elliptic equation with an integral boundary condition depending on two parameters is investigated. The problem is solved using the finite difference method. The error in the solution is evaluated based on the properties of M-matrices, and herewith the convergence of the difference scheme is proved. The majorant is constructed to estimate the error of the solution of the system of difference equations
The role of consumers’ visual attention stimuli in advertising: traditional and neuromarketing research perspectives /
No full textThis research aims to reveal the role of consumers’ visual attention stimuli in advertising from traditional and neuromarketing research perspectives. This study examines six stimuli of consumers’ visual attention, which are divided into three groups – complexity of advertising, reflection of reality in advertising, and attributes of advertising content. A conceptual model was developed, encompassing the relationships of the identified stimuli with consumers’ visual attention (via gaze fixation duration and frequency) and with consumers’ attitudes toward advertising. The model was empirically tested using survey questionnaires and an eye-tracking system to analyze a specific food advertising case. A survey involving 403 respondents in Lithuania found that a statistically significant relationship exists between all visual attention stimuli and attitudes toward advertising, except for advertising authenticity (p-value>0.05). However, the results of the linear regression confirm only instrumental attributes in advertising content (R2=0.294) and higher design complexity (R2=0.230) positively influence on consumer attitudes toward advertising. In the neuromarketing study with 26 participants, a significant relationship was revealed between both dependent variables (the duration and frequency of participants gaze) and visual attention stimuli in food advertising. ANOVA analysis results show longer gaze fixation duration for simple, clear designs, manipulative advertising, symbolic content attributes; more frequent gaze fixation for advertising reflecting high functional and design complexity, authenticity, and instrumental content attributes. However, no relationship was found between gaze variables and consumer attitudes, except for authentic advertising, where higher greater gaze frequency was linked to a more positive attitude
Raman spectral band imaging for the diagnostics and classification of canine and feline cutaneous tumors /
No full textThis study introduces Raman imaging technique for diagnosing skin cancer in veterinary oncology patients (dogs and cats). Initially, Raman spectral bands (with specificity to certain molecular structures and functional groups) were identified in formalin-fixed samples of mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, obtained through routine veterinary biopsy submissions. Then, a custom-built Raman macro-imaging system featuring an intensified CCD camera (iXon Ultra 888, Andor, UK), tunable narrow-band Semrock (USA) optical filter compartment was used to map the spectral features at 1437 cm-1 and 1655 cm-1 in ex vivo tissue. This approach enabled wide-field (cm2), rapid (within seconds), and safe (< 400 mW/cm2) imaging conditions, supporting accurate diagnosis of tissue state. The findings indicate that machine learning classifiers - particularly support vector machine (SVM) and decision tree (DT) - effectively distinguished between soft tissue sarcoma, mastocytoma and benign tissues using Raman spectral band imaging data. Additionally, combining Raman macro-imaging with residual near-infrared (NIR) autofluorescence as a bimodal imaging technique enhanced diagnostic performance, reaching 85 - 95% in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision - even with a single spectral band (1437 cm-1 or 1655 cm-1). In conclusion, the proposed bi-modal imaging is a pioneering method for veterinary oncology science, offering to improve the diagnostic accuracy of malignant tumors
Fostering resilient communities through the interaction of heritage, policy, and participation: insights from a Lithuanian case study /
No full textThis study explores community-driven projects, participatory governance, and adaptive urban policies to enhance social resilience and sustainability in urban environments. By combining a comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey, and practical recommendations, it underscores the importance of socioeconomic equality, cultural heritage preservation, and inclusive growth. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses that incorporate a broad review of scientific literature and a focused survey within Lithuania, this study identifies key strategies for strengthening urban resilience. It highlights the critical role of community engagement in urban planning and the preservation of heritage as a means to maintain local identity and foster civic participation. These elements collectively contribute to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban spaces
Nuotekų, užterštų Ni, Zn ir Fe metalais, homogeninė kristalizacija taikant verdančio sluoksnio technologiją /
No full textFactors influencing the work-life balance and burnout of employees from different generations.
No full textIn today’s labor market, where employees face increasing work intensity, the pressure of technological changes, and overall uncertainty, the issues of work-life balance and employee burnout are becoming increasingly relevant. Different employee generations – X, Y and Z – have distinct values, needs, and expectations toward work, which means that the factors influencing their work-life balance and burnout may also differ. As psychological well-being gains more attention in society and burnout rates continue to rise, organizations striving to retain productive and loyal employees must seek individualized solutions based on empirical evidence. The object of the research – Factors affecting the work-life balance and burnout of employees from different generations. The goal of the project – To identify the factors that influence the work-life balance and burnout of employees from different generations