Kaunas City Research Articles

GYDYTOJŲ ODONTOLOGŲ PADĖJĖJŲ DARBE PATIRIAMAS STRESAS

Straipsnyje pristatomo tyrimo metu buvo siekiama įvertinti gydytojo odontologo padėjėjo darbe patiriamą stresą. Tyrime dalyvavo 62 Kauno mieste dirbantys odontologų padėjėjai. Gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų darbe patiriamas stresas buvo vertinamas pagal ASSET skalę, naudotas duomenų rinkimo metodas – apklausa raštu. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė: nors gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų darbe patiriamas stresas yra vidutinio lygmens, vis dėlto jis yra ženkliai artėjantis prie aukšto patiriamo streso lygmens. Tyrimo metu buvo nustatyta, kad didžiausi stresoriai gydytojo odontologo padėjėjo darbe yra santykiai su kolegomis bei tai, jog darbuotojai nesijaučia vertinami, jais nėra pakankamai pasitikima. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, jog didesnį stresą patiria jaunesniojo amžiaus, mažesnį darbo stažą turintys specialistai. Nustatyta, kad privačiame sektoriuje dirbantys gydytojai odontologai padėjėjai patiria aukštesnio lygmens stresą nei viešajame sektoriuje dirbantys specialistai.

Isotope geochemistry and modelling of the multi-aquifer system in the eastern part of Lithuania

A steady-state groundwater flow model of three Quaternary intertill aquifers in the eastern part of Lithuania has been compiled. The distinction of separate modelled layers is based on hydraulic and isotope-hydrochemistry data criteria. 3H data were used to estimate the corrected groundwater age and were coupled with a groundwater-flow-dynamics model of the Quaternary aquifer system along a cross-section flow pathway from the Baltic Upland recharge area in eastern Lithuania towards the discharge area in the lowlands near the city of Kaunas in central Lithuania. The bicarbonate content in groundwater (214–462 mg/l) increases downgradient towards the lowland area. The other major constituents and total dissolved solids (TDS) have a trend analogous to the bicarbonate. The 14C activity of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the groundwater ranges from 41.4 to 85.7 pMC. With aquifer-system depth, active precipitation of aqueous solution takes place by dissolving minerals of calcite and dolomite and leakage of “old” groundwater from lower aquifers; the process is also traced by lower 14C and 3H activities and by more positive δ18O values in lowland areas.

Accessibility and use of urban green spaces, and cardiovascular health: findings from a Kaunas cohort study

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to explore associations of the distance and use of urban green spaces with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and its risk factors, and to evaluate the impact of the accessibility and use of green spaces on the incidence of CVD among the population of Kaunas city (Lithuania).MethodsWe present the results from a Kaunas cohort study on the access to and use of green spaces, the association with cardiovascular risk factors and other health-related variables, and the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. A random sample of 5,112 individuals aged 45-72 years was screened in 2006-2008. During the mean 4.41 years follow-up, there were 83 deaths from CVD and 364 non-fatal cases of CVD among persons free from CHD and stroke at the baseline survey. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for data analysis.ResultsWe found that the distance from people’s residence to green spaces was not related to the prevalence of health-related variables. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus were significantly lower among park users than among non-users. During the follow up, an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal CVD combined was observed for those who lived ≥629.61 m from green spaces (3rd tertile of distance to green space) (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.36), and the risk for non-fatal CVD–for those who lived ≥347.81 m (2nd and 3rd tertile) and were not park users (HR = 1.66) as compared to men and women who lived 347.8 m or less (1st tertile) from green space. Men living further away from parks (3rd tertile) had a higher risk of non-fatal and fatal CVD combined, compared to those living nearby (1st tertile) (HR = 1.51). Compared to park users living nearby (1st tertile), a statistically significantly increased risk of non-fatal CVD was observed for women who were not park users and living farther away from parks (2nd and 3rd tertile) (HR = 2.78).ConclusionOur analysis suggests public health policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles in urban settings could produce cardiovascular benefits.

Measurement of nitrogen dioxide concentration in cold and warm seasons using a passive sampling method

The aim of the present study was to assess distribution of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaunas city during cold and warm sea­sons. A passive sampling method was used. Nitrogen dioxide con­centration was measured at 39 sampling sites in Kaunas city. The study was performed in 2010–2011. The study results showed that mean of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaunas city was 12.0 µg/m3. Nitrogen dioxide concentration in cold season (winter) was 18.2 µg/m3, in warm season (summer) 5.7 µg/m3. The high­est nitrogen dioxide concentration was obtained near street site (14.9 µg/m3), the lowest – near regional background site (9.4 µg/m3) and near urban background site it was 11.4 µg/m3. The results of the study were introduced to the ESRI Geographic Information System software ArcGIS and the ex­tension Geostatistical Analyst was used to obtain maps of dis­tribution of nitrogen dioxide concentration. The lowest nitrogen dioxide pollution area was in districts which are located in the periphery of the city. The highest concen­tra­tion of nitrogen dioxide was in Centras, Žaliakalnis, Šančiai, Kalnie­čiai, Sargėnai. It was caused by intensive traffic and unfavourable geographical position. In these districts there are more busy roads and more buildings. Centras district is located in a valley; there are unfavourable conditions for pollution dispersion.

The application of ADMS-Urban model to estimate nitrogen dioxide concentrations in cold and warm seasons in Kaunas city

Road traffic is one of the main sources of pollution affecting air quality in urban areas which can have impacts on human health. One of the most common traffic-related pollutants is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Atmospheric dispersion models, such as ADMSUrban, can be used to examine emissions from many various sources (road transport, industrial, domestic) and to estimate or predict the concentration of pollutants emitted from these sources into the atmosphere. The paper examines the performance of ADMS-Urban dispersion model to predict nitrogen dioxide concentrations from emission sources. Modelled concentrations for cold and warm seasons have been compared with measured nitrogen dioxide concentrations at 41 site in Kaunas city. The purpose of this study was to assess the dispersion of nitrogen dioxide pollution in cold and warm seasons comparing modelled with ADMS-Urban model and measured with passive samplers NO2 concentrations in Kaunas city. Modelled average nitrogen dioxide concentration in cold season was 21.79 μg/m3, while measured with passive samp­lers – 19.82 μg/m3. The air pollution was significantly higher during the cold season. Modelled and measured NO2 concentrations in warm season were 12.28 and 11.62 μg/m3, respectively. Results showed that ADMS-Urban dispersion model tends to overpredict nitrogen dioxide concentrations and this is most evident when smaller values are modelled, while model­led maximum concentrations are underestimated compared with measured NO2 values.

Spatial and temporal variations of particulate matter concentrations in multifamily apartment buildings

We report a comprehensive assessment of PM concentrations and its variations in multifamily apartment buildings. Fifty apartments in ten multifamily buildings were investigated during heating seasons of 2011 and 2012 in Kaunas city, Lithuania. PM concentration and size distribution measurements were performed using the optical particle counters indoors and outdoors. Usually mean 24-h indoor PM concentrations were lower (median 7.8 μg/m3 for PM2.5) than outdoor concentrations (median 16.9 μg/m3 for PM2.5) of corresponding location, and I/O ratios of PM2.5 were lower (0.70) than that of PM10 (0.98). Night time levels, representing background indoor exposure to PM, were equal to 5.0 (PM2.5) and 6.7 μg/m3 (PM10), respectively. Particle deposition rates were determined by regression fitting of the measured PM2.5 concentration decay curves, with the median equal to 0.32 h−1. The data have been discussed aiming to characterize indoor PM sources and select the most representative indicator(s) for an assessment of the effects of energy saving refurbishment on indoor air quality. We found that a combination of several indicators allowed an adequate characterization of indoor PM sources and can be used in the subsequent assessment.

The Influence of Proximity to City Parks on Blood Pressure in Early Pregnancy

This study investigated the effect of proximity to city parks on blood pressure categories during the first trimester of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study included 3,416 female residents of the city of Kaunas, Lithuania, who were enrolled in the FP7 PHENOTYPE project study. The women were classified into four blood pressure categories: optimal, normal, high-normal blood pressure, and hypertension. Multinomial regression models were used to investigate the association between three women’s groups with respect to the residence distances from city parks (300, >300–1,000, and >1,000 m) and four blood pressure categories. When using the optimal blood pressure as the reference group, the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for normal blood pressure and for high-normal blood pressure proved to be statistically significantly higher after the inclusion of the selected covariates into the regression analysis. The probability of normal blood pressure increased by 9%, and that of high-normal blood pressure—by 14% for every 300 m increase in the distance to green spaces. The findings of this study suggest a beneficial impact of nearby city parks on blood pressure amongst 20- to 45-year-old women. This relationship has important implications for the prevention of hypertension and the reduction of hypertension-related morbidity.

Occupational Values in Lithuania Police Organization: Managers‘ and Employees‘ Value Congruence

Organizational values are long-term belief of what is right and what is wrong, and what is desirable and valuable in work situation. They dictate behaviour of members of the organization. Therefore, organizational values are a key element of organizational culture. The purpose of this paper is to present results from survey of the organisational values of Lithuanian police organization which is going through the process of organizational transfomation. That is why it is so important to identify how oficially expressed values, goals and norms of organization are shared among the members of the organization. A questionnaire was developed and 199 Kaunas city headquarters officers were interviewed. 21 police organizational values were based on Glomseth, R., Gottschalk, P., Hole A.S. (2010) police personnel occupational values. This paper analyzes the employees’ perception about the dominant and less important occupational values. The results of the survey show that police officers highlighted such professional values as time being firm, task orientation versus relation, security and integrity rather than effectiveness and productivity, formal communication preferable to informal, control rather than freedom, hierarchy rather than equality and empowerment, firm leadership and tradition versus changes. The hierarchy of occupational values shows that the organization is fully formalized, and its activity is controlled and planned. Status impact on the perception of value was determined - although employees similarly perceive organizational values, there are more similarities among proffesionals and managers than between first line officers and managers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.24.5.3309

VEIKSNIAI, TURINTYS ĮTAKOS KAUNO GYVENTOJŲ PASIRINKIMUI AKTYVIAI LEISTI LAISVALAIKĮ LAUKO TRENIRUOKLIŲ AIKŠTELĖSE

Research results analysed and systematized in the paper identified factors that influenced the choice of fitness outdoor equipment in Kaunas city. Factors influencing the choice of fitness outdoor equipment were analysed in order to identify the measures that stimulate people to spend active leisure time in outdoor fitness sites. The latest scientific research results systematised (Horká, Hromádka, 2010; Bell et al., 2007; Tekin, 2004; Deborah et al., 2007; Rosenberger, Bergerson, Kline, 2009); Godbey, Mowen, 2010; Walker, 2004; Pigram, Jenkins, 2006) allow formulating new research topics for the promotion of active outdoor fitness. The object of the survey was the factors that influence the choice of outdoor fitness equipment at leisure time. The aim of the survey was to identify the factors that influence the choice of Kaunas City residents to spend leisure time at outdoor fitness sites. Research objectives: 1. To investigate the possibilities of outdoor fitness equipment use. 2. To identify the factors that encourage Kaunas city residents to exercise in the fresh air with outdoor fitness equipment. Research methods applied were analysis of the scientific literature, questionnaire survey, and descriptive statistics. Research results. The research revealed that sport in the open air with outdoor fitness equipment is an attractive form for active leisure time. It is believed that one of the main factors of the choice that promotes to choose outdoor fitness equipment is a free service, quiet environment, a variety of outdoor fitness equipment and a favourable geographical location of the site. Performance factors as opportunity to spend active leisure in nature, better quality of sleep, finding new friends, training of will and endurance, extension of the energy, removing stress and body shape improvement also determine the choice to have sport in the fresh air. Keywords: active leisure, outdoor fitness equipment, city parks.

The impact of tobacco smoke exposure on wheezing and overweight in 4-6-year-old children.

Aim. To investigate the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy, second-hand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure, education level, and preschool children's wheezing and overweight. Methods. This cohort study used data of the KANC cohort—1,489 4–6-year-old children from Kaunas city, Lithuania. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to study the influence of prenatal and postnatal STS exposure on the prevalence of wheezing and overweight, controlling for potential confounders. Results. Children exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy had a slightly increased prevalence of wheezing and overweight. Postnatal exposure to STS was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of wheezing and overweight in children born to mothers with lower education levels (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.04–4.35 and 3.57; 95% CI 1.76–7.21, accordingly). Conclusions. The present study findings suggest that both maternal smoking during pregnancy and STS increase the risk of childhood wheezing and overweight, whereas lower maternal education might have a synergetic effect. Targeted interventions must to take this into account and address household smoking.

Kauno miesto SVV organizacijų analizė vadovų lyčių lyderystės aspektu

There is still a prevailing approach in management science, as well as in practice, that success of organizations mostly depends on their top managers. It is very difficult to find out the answer to the question what determines success in manager’s job. The increasing number of female managers cause more and more frequent considerations on differences between male and female managers, also which gender managers are more successful in different organization’s life stages. It seems that the following stereotypes are still widespread in the society: managers of organizations must be leaders, managers or leaders are naturally born; managers and leaders are different as well as management and leadership; men are more successful managers than women. The efforts to find answers to these issues reveal that scholars and authors in this field of management usually analyse personal qualities of leadership, inherent leader‘s behaviour or characteristics in various situations. Less attention is being paid on behaviour and personal qualities of manager. The survey presented in the article also could contribute to scientific discussion on gender leadership, determining the differences of leadership of male and female managers identified by their subordinates. The survey has been carried out questioning the employees of small and medium-sized enterprises of Kaunas city (hereinafter referred to as SMEs). This segment was chosen because employees in such size organizations are more familiar with the top managers. The goal of the survey – to compare top managers of different genders in SMBs of Kaunas city and to evaluate the gender aspect’s influence on the managers’ personal traits, inherent leadership behaviour as well as the factors influencing managers’ success. The methods of the survey: analysis of literature sources, questionnaire, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), MS Excel, comparative analysis.[...]

Biomonitoring of urban air quality in Kaunas City (Lithuania) using transplanted lichens

The aim of the study was to evaluate air quality using an active biomonitoring method. The lichens Ramalina farinacea and Evernia prunastri were transplanted to urban sites in Kaunas City, Lithuania. Changes in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, phaeophytization ratio, electrical conductivity were determined after one, two and three months. After stimulation of chlorophyll synthesis the increase in chlorophyll content was observed after one month with its decrease during the next months. No significant variation in content of chlorophyll was observed in comparison with control and this could be attributed to variables of air pollution which did not exceed threshold levels. There was no interspecific difference in the response of the two lichen species in the physiological parameters, but Ramalina farinecea was more sensitive to cell membrane damage than Evernia prunastri in the studied urban environment. The study provides information that one month of transplantation is not enough in order to determine air quality status in urban environment.

Characterization of particulate and vapor phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor and outdoor air of primary schools

The indoor air of schools is considered as one of the most important factors affecting the health of children. The aim of the presented research was to characterize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor and outdoor air of schools. The sampling campaign was conducted during the heating season of 2011/2012. Five primary schools from various urban settings in the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. 150 daily samples of particulate and vapor phases were collected during the sampling period. The ultrasonic extractions followed by the gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GS/MS) analyses were used for the determination of PAHs. The concentration of total PAHs in the PM2.5 fraction ranged from 20.3 to 131.1 ng m−3, while total suspended particles (TSP) fraction contained from 19.9 to 80.3 ng m−3 of total PAHs. The vapor phase concentration of PAHs ranged from 67.2 to 372.5 ng m−3. The most abundant PAH in both phases was naphthalene. In order to define sources of indoor and outdoor PAHs several source apportionment methods were applied. The analysis revealed that emissions from motor vehicles and fuel burning for heating purposes were the major sources of PAHs in the city of Kaunas.

City parks neighbourhood and preschool children asthma in the city of Kaunas

Background There is some evidence that access to urban green spaces is associated with a better health; however, the available evidence on the impact of green spaces on children asthma is scarce. Aims We examined the association between residence distance from city parks and preschool children asthma. Methods This study included 536 children 4-5 year’s old Kaunas city residents. Doctor’s diagnose and symptoms of allergic diseases were assessed by ISAAC-based questionnaires. We used a geographic information system (GIS) to assess the environmental exposures. According to the distance from the residents’ homes of each respondent to the nearest park, we determined three children exposure groups: residing within 300 m (referent group), 300-1000 m and more than 1000 m. The associations between distance from parks and prevalence of asthma were analysed by logistic regression models with and without adjustment for maternal education, age, passive smoking, body mass index, parental and other family members asthma, heating system, breast feeding, paracetamol and antibiotic use during first year, and NO2 exposure. Results An increase in the distance from city parks across 4-5 years old children was associated with an increase in odds ratio (OR) for children asthma (referent vs. third exposure group OR=1.41, 95% CI 0.34–5.78) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions The present study findings suggest a beneficial effect of city parks neighbourhood on asthma risk amongst preschool children. Neighbourhood greenness may have an impact in prevalence of asthma and reducing related morbidity.

Use of ADMS-Urban dispersion model to estimate the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in Kaunas city

Background Modelling of air pollution dispersion is one of the ambient air quality assessment methods, allowing predicting air pollution and accurately assessing the spatial distribution of ambient...

Perceived constraints on exercise in the group of the elderly: a pilot study

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the perceived constraints on the physical exercise scale and to indicate the most important perceived constraints that restrict the elderly from exercise.160 persons (aged 60–89) living in Lithuania, Kaunas city were interviewed in 2011. Physical activity was assessed using a short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Constraints on physical exercise were determined according to a structured list of statements consisting of five domains: poor health, fear and negative experiences, lack of knowledge, lack of time and interest, and unsuitable environment. Perceived constraints on the exercise scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and good construct validity: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of internal reliability were above the standard (≥0.7) with the exception of lack of knowledge domain. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a fivefactor solution that accounted for 67.4% of the variance. Fear and negative experience during exercise increased the odds of insufficient physical activity by 3.3 (1.16–9.59) times whereas lack of time and interest — by 7.2 (2.98–17.31) times. Perceived constraints on the exercise scale is a suitable measure for the elderly investigations. Perceived constraints that most restrict elderly people from exercise were lack of time, interest, fear of falling and injuries.

Towards liberalized district heating market : Kaunas city case

The purpose of the article is to formulate proposals to reshape the existing district heating market structure. Lithuanian district heating sector is highly integrated, local, naturally monopolistic and often municipality owned. Kaunas falls in a rather different position with several private independent heat producers. Despite this, the constantly increasing price of the heat is one of the reasons consumers to complain and to disconnect from the district heating networks. This situation implies strong need for change. Paper contains relevant literature review and a practical survey which is made using an official data and the data from district heating company Kaunas energy. The article ends with conclusions and practical suggestions addressed for Kaunas district heating sector.

Performance of an all-electric vehicle under UN ECE R101 test conditions: A feasibility study for the city of Kaunas, Lithuania

Transport activity has been a key facilitator and driver of economic prosperity in Lithuanian (hereinafter LIT) and it is likely to continue to grow. It can produce both positive and negative effects on the quality of life and the environment depending on country-specific circumstances.This research paper sets the stage for a look at the LIT passenger vehicle fleet and its transition towards sustainable mobility through the use of all-electric vehicles. The large multi purpose vehicle from French car-maker Renault, model Renault Espace, was used for test drives, according ECE R101 (urban cycle) requirements. The conventional spark ignited internal combustion engine of the vehicle was replaced by the electric one and equipped with the new generation LiFePO4 Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Three streets of Kaunas city (LIT) with different categories B1, B2 and C2 were selected for the test procedure. Estimation of the power demand (depending on displacement and daytime) and evaluation of battery performance characteristics were discussed in detail. Calculation of the driving distance of the one charge of the traction battery estimates several driving conditions and variation of the mass of the investigated vehicle. Comparison of consumption of different fuel grades for 1 km showed that costs of electric power driven vehicle is 4 times as low as with A95 grade petrol and 2.4 times as low as with diesel fuel.

Challenges and Dimensions of Sustainability in Social Housing

The article is aimed to discuss and reconsider the concept and challenges of the social housing in the world and in Lithuania. The research consists of three major parts. In the first part the evolution of social housing from the 18th century until nowadays was analyzed and evaluated and eight main trends of architectural expression of social housing were distinguished and shortly characterized. The second part was devoted to the introduction of the dimension of sustainability in the design of affordable housing. The idea of sustainable architecture and the trends of its expression were presented and the composite trends of social housing in urban settings with dimensions of sustainability were formulated and characterized. The third part of the research dealt with the local specifics of the city of Kaunas: the possibilities of localization of the social housing of different trends were analyzed and the experimental design of the social housing complex demonstrating the possibilities of application of environmentally friendly technologies and the potential of rehabilitation of neglected urban areas was shortly presented.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.1.2.2873

Jaunų dirbančių žmonių laisvalaikio motyvacija

Theoretical substantiation. The article explores the recreational value and importance of working in human life, analysis of its association with human health and quality of life perception. Any human activity is motivated, so the analysis of effective leisure time, determined not only selected leisure activities, but also reveals the need for the factors, which determine the choice of such activities. The object of the survey was the choice of motivational factors in leisure. The aim of study was to assess the determining factors of leisure motivation of young working people Method. Organized research through a questionnaire based on L. G. Pelletier et al. (1991) leisure motivation scale. The sample consisted of 70 young working people from Kaunas city – 47 women and 23 men. The study investigated whether young working people have enough leisure time, what are its forms and conducting research to evaluate the disclosure of their health. In determining what are the key motivating factors behind the choice of leisure study comparing interpretations of gender and health research aspects of perception. The study data were processed on the basis of mathematical statistics Findings. The survey data suggests that young working people have more leisure time on weekends and often spends it passively (reading, watching television). Examination of the leisure motivation of the youth revealed that most strongly influenced by the choice of leisure internal motivation to experience stimulation, i. e., targeted to the inner satisfaction, enjoyable activities that stimulate feelings of certain associations. Youth groups, by gender dominated external motivation external regulation, external regulation motivation moved, the internal motivation to know, that is these groups of people belonging to an external reward or avoid an external punishment, reward or to avoid the inner interior penalty, to seek knowledge, explore, understand the relevant issues. The analysis of young people's perceptions of their health status and the motivation of leisure activities to those persons who are unable to assess their health status is at least apathetic choosing forms of leisure and are sufficiently strong and determined to knowing what is going. Those persons who believe that there is poor health status in the form of leisure for engaging external motivation identified regulation – they are important leisure activities, and results are or will be useful, but it does not feel the inner satisfaction.