561 research outputs found
Code of Gediminas
No full textReikšminiai žodžiai: Lietuvos Didžioji Kunigaikštystė (LDK; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; GDL); Kunigaikščiai; Karaliai ir valdovai; VilniusDedicated to the 700 anniversary of Vilnius. The author discusses the origins of Gediminas myth and concludes that this is just a first step in attempting to reconstruct myths on which the sovereignty of Lithuanian rulers is founded
The role of long-term landscape photography as a tool in dune management
No full textAttitudes to maintaining dune diversity are changing under the realization that existing dune stabilization techniques are fixing dune landscapes, causing ‘coastal squeeze’ and loss of habitat as shorelines retreat. Instead, it is recommended that a natural, dynamic, migrating dune system is much more appropriate and that blown, unstable sands are encouraged to act as mobile coastal defence barriers. Lack of appropriate monitoring techniques has limited progress in understanding the role of sediment dynamics in dune environments over long timescales. Therefore, this paper outlines the role of straightforward and inexpensive photography, from fixed points and angles, as a useful approach to long-term, decadal monitoring of the evolution and migration of dynamic dune landforms. The case study, on the Morfa Dyffryn dunes, Gwynedd, mid-Wales, United Kingdom (National Grid Reference SH563240), identified particularly dynamic mobile foredunes, with cyclical morphological development, paralleling to an overall landward recession. A cyclical trend of sand encroachment, followed by stabilization with growing vegetation, is documented for semi-fixed dune pastures, while the hind dunes remained stable. A general relationship between foredune morphology and erosion/accretion processes was established, offering the prospect of predicting future dune morphological changes in other dune systems, if increased blown sand activity is encouraged as a management technique
Innate-like control of human iNKT cell autoreactivity via the hypervariable CDR3beta loop
No full textInvariant Natural Killer T cells (iNKT) are a versatile lymphocyte subset with important roles in both host defense and immunological tolerance. They express a highly conserved TCR which mediates recognition of the non-polymorphic, lipid-binding molecule CD1d. The structure of human iNKT TCRs is unique in that only one of the six complementarity determining region (CDR) loops, CDR3beta, is hypervariable. The role of this loop for iNKT biology has been controversial, and it is unresolved whether it contributes to iNKT TCR:CD1d binding or antigen selectivity. On the one hand, the CDR3beta loop is dispensable for iNKT TCR binding to CD1d molecules presenting the xenobiotic alpha-galactosylceramide ligand KRN7000, which elicits a strong functional response from mouse and human iNKT cells. However, a role for CDR3beta in the recognition of CD1d molecules presenting less potent ligands, such as self-lipids, is suggested by the clonal distribution of iNKT autoreactivity. We demonstrate that the human iNKT repertoire comprises subsets of greatly differing TCR affinity to CD1d, and that these differences relate to their autoreactive functions. These functionally different iNKT subsets segregate in their ability to bind CD1d-tetramers loaded with the partial agonist alpha-linked glycolipid antigen OCH and structurally different endogenous beta-glycosylceramides. Using surface plasmon resonance with recombinant iNKT TCRs and different ligand-CD1d complexes, we demonstrate that the CDR3beta sequence strongly impacts on the iNKT TCR affinity to CD1d, independent of the loaded CD1d ligand. Collectively our data reveal a crucial role for CDR3beta for the function of human iNKT cells by tuning the overall affinity of the iNKT TCR to CD1d. This mechanism is relatively independent of the bound CD1d ligand and thus forms the basis of an inherent, CDR3beta dependent functional hierarchy of human iNKT cells
Stressing how history is to be remembered: the birthday of the city of Vilnius and the letters of Gediminas
No full textReikšminiai žodžiai: Ankstyviausias Vilniaus vardo paminėjimas; Gedimino laiškai; Istorinė atmintis; Vilniaus miesto gimtadienis; Vilnius; Birthday of the city of Vilnius; Historical memory; Letters of Gediminas; The earliest mention of the name of Vilnius; Vilnius; Vilnius city birthdayIn a short talk delivered as part of the celebrations organised in Vilnius on 24 January 2018 on the occasion of the city‘s official 695th ‘birthday’ the author outlines the connection between the city and the ‘Letters of Gediminas’ (1323). He explains broadly what these texts are and how they have functioned in public and academic life over the past seven centuries, noting their growing importance in modern political discourse and so-called ‘historical memory’
Letters of Gediminas and the problem of the first Dominican church in Vilnius
No full textGedimino laiškai nuo seno traukė tyrėjų dėmesį. Prieš maždaug šimtą metų labiausiai istorikus jaudinęs klausimas buvo susijęs su šių laiškų autentiškumo problematika: ar jie autentiški Vilniuje, Lietuvos didžiojo kunigaikščio dvare surašyti dokumentai?, o gal jie su Vokiečių ordinu konfliktavusių rygiečių sukurti falsifikatai? Dėl šios bylos sprendimo istorikų nuomonės buvo pasidalinusios į tris grupes: vieni manė, kad Gedimino laiškai yra falsifikatai, kiti teigė, kad jie tikri (autentiški) dokumentai, buvo ir tokių, kurie buvo neapsisprendę ir laikėsi neutralios pozicijos, aiškiai nepasisakydami nei už, nei prieš. Pastaraisiais dešimtmečiais įsivyravo požiūris, kad Gedimino laiškai yra autentiški dokumentai, parašyti Vilniuje su Gedimino žinia ir pritarimu. Tiesa, turime pabrėžti, kad ir „pralaimėjusios“ stovyklos darbų, visų pirma Kurto Forstreuterio straipsnių, nereikia skubėti nurašyti į vien tik istoriografijos tyrėjus dominančios literatūros užutėkį, nes juose esama išties įdomių pastebėjimų bei vertingų įžvalgų, kurios atkaklų tyrėją gali paskatinti kelti naujus klausimus ir ieškoti naujų atsakymų. Raktiniai žodžiai: Gediminas, Gedimino laiškai, dominikonai, pranciškonai, Vilnius.This article seeks to answer a seemingly simple question: did the Dominican church exist in Vilnius during the reign of the Lithuanian grand duke Gediminas (1316–1341)? It is mentioned in a several letters of this ruler that were produced in 1323 and, therefore, the idea that this church was a real thing received wide currency in numerous historiographical works. However, the comprehensible analysis of the contradictory information regarding this subject-matter, and the very absence of its mention in a letter addressed to the Dominicans themselves, allowed the author of this paper to advance a thesis that this church, in all probability and likelihood, did not exist at all. The fact that it was mentioned might be interpreted as an attempt by Gediminas to produce a most positive image of his (pagan) country in the eyes of the intended (Roman Christian) audience. In sum, Gediminas collaborated more closely with the Franciscans, but some Dominican friars also were present at his court in 1323. It would be extremely interesting to know whence they came. However, for the lack of conclusive evidence this question must remain unanswered. Keywords: Gediminas, Letters of Gediminas, Dominicans, Franciscans, Vilnius
ORGANIZATION OF DOCTORAL TRAINING AT VILNIUS GEDIMINAS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
No full textThe article presents an experience in organization and realization of doctoral programs at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. The goals, peculiarities of organization, scope and content of educational programs, the requirements for applicants are characterized. The author dwells upon the thesis defense procedure. The article is prepared within the framework of TEMPUS project «NETCENG» - New Model of the Third Cycle in Engineering Education Due to Bologna Process in BY, RU, UA. The project “NETCENG” is financially supported by the European Commission. The European Commission is not liable for the content of this publication
Structure and binding kinetics of three different human CD1d-?-galactosylceramide-specific T cell receptors
No full textInvariant human TCR V?24-J?18+/Vbeta11+ NKT cells (iNKT) are restricted by CD1d-?-glycosylceramides. We analyzed crystal structures and binding characteristics for an iNKT TCR plus two CD1d-?-GalCer-specific Vbeta11+ TCRs that use different TCR Valpha chains. The results were similar to those previously reported for MHC-peptide-specific TCRs, illustrating the versatility of the TCR platform. Docking TCR and CD1d-?-GalCer structures provided plausible insights into their interaction. The model supports a diagonal orientation of TCR on CD1d and suggests that complementarity determining region (CDR)3?, CDR3?, and CDR1? interact with ligands presented by CD1d, whereas CDR2? binds to the CD1d ?1 helix. This docking provides an explanation for the dominant usage of V?11 and V?8.2 chains by human and mouse iNKT cells, respectively, for recognition of CD1d-?-GalCer.Abbreviations used: ?-GalCer, ?-galactosylceramide; CDR, complementarity determining region; CNS, Crystallography and NMR system; DN, double negative; ds, disulfide-linked; iNKT, invariant NKT; J, junctional; PC, phosphatidylcholine; rmsd, root mean square deviation; V, variable.<br/
Officer career management system: a case of the Lithuanian grand duke Gediminas staff battalion.
No full textDue to the current geopolitical situation in the world, more attention is paid to the national defence. The machinery and armament are improved as well as the military forces are increased rapidly. In 2005, the mandatory initial military service, i.e. a conscript army was returned in Lithuania. The army increased by 3000 conscripts with the first conscription, 150 out of them started service at Gediminas Staff Battalion. This year (2017) the new lists of soldiers of mandatory initial military service are also made. The army is envisaged to increase by three thousand conscripts after the conscription in 2017. After returning the conscript army, the demand of military officers of professional military service has increased in military units of Lithuania. Due to this reason, the appropriate military career management as well as the implementation of the military career management system are very important. The problem of the research is how military career management system of Lithuanian armed forces is implemented in Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion? The object of the research is the military career management system in Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion. The aim of this paper is to analyse the implementation of the military career management system in Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion. Four tasks were carried out in order to reach the aim: 1) to analyse a career and the theoretical basis of it; 2) to analyse the military career management system of the national defence system; 3) to find out the opinion of military officers of Gediminas Staff Battalion about the implementation of the career management system; 4) carrying out the research and analysing the military career management system in Gediminas Staff Battalion, to present proposals which would help to improve the military career management system in Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion. Methods of the research are the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, the analysis of documents and legislation, the questionnaire, the analysis, generalization and interpretation of the results of the questionnaire. In the theoretical part of the paper it was found out that the career management is a process which encompasses a career planning and the implementation of the career management system. During the career management process, an organization and/or an employee comes up with solutions related to individual career. For the implementation of a career management process, the career management system is necessary, according to which an organization suggests or an individual chooses the most optimal career development method for his/her employee. The military career of Lithuanian armed forces is managed according to the military career management system of Lithuanian armed forces which is regulated by Military Career Conception. The results of the empirical research revealed that almost a half (47%) of respondents are not familiar with the military career management system. The same number of respondents say that there are some drawbacks of military career management in the battalion. 54% of military officers distinguished the absence of a responsible person, who would give an information related to career questions, as the biggest drawback. 56% of military officers who serve at Gediminas Staff Battalion claimed that they do not have any prepared individual military career plans. The rest 44% of military officers who claimed that they have prepared career plans said that their immediate superiors informed them about it. However, respondents claimed that they did not see any plans or did not participate in the preparation of them. On the basis of the results of the research, the author offered suggestions which would help to improve the implementation of the military career management system in Gediminas Staff Battalion
Structuralâ€technological factors of efficiency of floors with permanent reinforced concrete formwork
No full textProblems associated with the development of reinforced concrete floors, the main element of a building, are considered in this article. Structural and technological factors effecting the advantages of floors with permanent formwork being the modern type of such structures are investigated. Rational diagrams, ways of manufacture and erection of these structures are presented. Essential peculiarities for design and analyses of such structures based on the investigations performed by the author and other investigators are indicated. This shall be taken into account for obtaining not only economical, but a reliable and rigid structure as well. Economical comparison of various types of floors is presented.
Perdangų su liktiniai gelžbetoniniais klojiniais efektyvumo konstrukciniai ir technologiniai veiksniai
Santrauka
Straipsnyje nagrinÄ—jami klausimai, susijÄ™ su vieno iÅ¡ pagrindinių pastato elementų †gelžbetoninių perdangų tobulinimu. NagrinÄ—jami konstrukciniai ir technologiniai veiksniai, nuo kurių priklauso naujo tipo perdangų – perdangų su liktiniais gelžbetoniniais klojiniais pranaÅ¡umai. Pateikiamos jų racionalios schemos, gamybos ir montavimo bÅ«dai. Remiantis savo ir kitų autorių tyrimais, nurodomi tokių konstrukcijų skaiÄiavimo ir projektavimo esminiai ypatumai, kuriuos bÅ«tina įvertinti, norint gauti ne tik ekonomiÅ¡kÄ…, bet ir patikimÄ… standžiÄ…jÄ… konstrukcijÄ…. Pateikiamas įvairių konstrukcinių tipų perdangų ekonominis lyginimas.
Reikšminiai žodžiai: betonas, gelžbetonis, armatūros strypynai, liktiniai klojiniai, kontakto zona, technologija, ekonominis efektyvumas
First Published Online: 21 Oct 201
BEYOND NATURE AND CULTURE? / ANAPUS GAMTOS IR KULTŪROS?
No full textCopyright (c) 2013 The Author(s). Published by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.In this paper, we will analyze how anthropological thinking, in the last twenty years, has put the conceptual categories of Culture and Nature into radical questioning. Nature was “denaturalized” and deemed as a social construction that was specific to the history of Western world. But to avoid the alternative between nature and culture one should develop a “non-dualist” approach and, in this sense, we will then consider Tim Ingold’s works. According to the British anthropologist, the nature and culture divide is usually the outcome of an assumption recurrent in anthropology, that according to which our cultural frames determine our perception of outside world. For Ingold, phenomenological thinking reversed the ontological priorities of Western rationalism.publishersversionpublishe
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