The aim is for new knowledge and technology to serve not only human well-being but also the environment. A culture of sustainable development and responsibility in the University community is purposefully fostered, contributing to ensuring the sustainability of KTU and strengthening responsibility for the environment, society and the region.
Research and results integrate sustainable development goals, which make a direct contribution to regional and KTU coherence.
Affordable and clean energy (# 7)
University participates in the development of modern renewable energy systems (# 7)
2019 The roof of the building complex of the IX building of Kaunas University of Technology was covered with solar energy elements, a solar power system was installed, integrating solar energy, its storage and coordination of flows. The total area is 5.5 thousand. sq.m. meters. It holds 1520 photovoltaic solar modules. The unique project has won worldwide recognition at the Energy Globe Awards.
The University is determined to continue implementing and developing alternative energy solutions.
The solar cell created by KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology V. Getautis together with other scientists is as much as 29.15 percent. the falling light converts it into electricity. This is a global record for the efficiency of solar cells. Self-assembled organic semiconductors are inexpensive. They cover the electrode of the solar cell with a thin, only a few nanometers thick molecular layer, which consumes a very small amount of material. It is estimated that 1 g of this semiconductor can cover a surface area of 1000 m2. It is very important that the development of silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells utilizes the existing production capacity of silicon solar cells, so the business will not need significant additional investment.
The professor’s work with co-authors was published in the world’s most famous scientific journal, Science.
Good health and well-being (# 3)
University strives for a healthy life, participates in the development of smart health technologies (# 3)
Researchers at the KTU Institute for Biomedical Engineering have developed a smart bracelet that automatically recognizes atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia), a condition that can lead to serious complications and even death if not detected in time. More than 1 percent. all populations have this disorder. Due to a rapidly aging society, the scale of the disease is expected to increase to 3 times worldwide over the next 30 years.
The bracelet is a non-invasive, comfortable device that allows you to monitor a person’s condition. When the photoplethysmographic signal detects heart activity close to atrial fibrillation, the device vibrates gently – asking the patient to touch the device with the other hand. In this way, a short electrocardiographic signal is recorded for control signal analysis.
The smart bracelet is easy to use. It is designed for seniors, people who value smart devices and technology with extreme caution.
A team of researchers from the Institute for Biomedical Engineering is further developing the smart bracelet by introducing additional features such as cardiac response monitoring algorithms.
KTU Faculty of Informatics researcher prof. R. Maskeliūnas and his team developed a method based on deep learning, based on which the onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be predicted from brain images. The algorithm is more than 99 percent. separates images of the brain affected by the disease by analyzing the magnetic resonance imaging images of 138 subjects. The new method is more accurate than the previous ones. The new algorithm could also be used to develop software that would automatically analyze data collected from vulnerable groups (over 65 years of age, experienced brain injuries, high blood pressure, etc.) – the system would alert medical staff of anomalies associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
KTU Institute of Health Telematics Science prof. A. Ragauskas together with the team invented and patented a non-invasive method of measuring head pressure. High head pressure, which can be caused by a head injury or brain tumor, can be fatal. Across Europe, around 2.5 million people are affected by brain injuries each year. people, and 75 thousand. such cases result in death. Effective measures can be taken when an increase in head pressure is observed in a timely manner, but the current method of measuring head pressure is based on an invasive procedure – surgical implantation of sensors into the human brain. Invasion of the brain poses a risk to the patient, and this procedure is not possible in all circumstances. The invented device makes it possible to measure head pressure without invading the brain, which has not been possible until now. This allows doctors to start treatment in a timely manner that can save the patient’s life.
KTU prof. Researchers of K. Baršauskas Institute of Ultrasound together with LSMU researchers have developed a non-invasive method of diagnosing melanoma.
Removal of the primary tumor remains necessary in the diagnosis of melanoma, and the decision to operate is usually based on a dermatoscopic assessment of the lesion. The accuracy of skin melanoma diagnosis without surgery is only 65 percent. and is highly dependent on the experience of the dermatologist performing the test.
Based on the analysis of diagnostic images from 100 patient samples, a scientifically developed and patented automated diagnostic system can detect melanoma by more than 90 percent. accuracy. The novelty of the method and technology is based on the fact that the combined diagnostic information is obtained by non-invasive imaging technologies operating on different physical principles. The developed automated system can complement the non-invasive diagnostic methods already used in clinical practice by automatically reliably distinguishing melanoma from melanocytic moles. Effective diagnosis of early-stage malignancies would shorten the time required for the study, allowing more patients to be tested during the routine time of the study.
Based on the results of the research, a prototype of the technology was developed. studies are being continued in a clinical setting.
Researchers at the KTU Food Institute are developing innovative products for personalized nutrition with the participation of an interested group of consumers. Seniors were invited to the creative process. 18 seniors over the age of 65 participated in the project “Consumer Involvement Laboratory”. During the project, they used a variety of new product development methodologies, offering both innovative (protein sauces) and simple ideas (more shredded products, more expressive and informative packaging). The seniors who participated in the practical seminars had the opportunity to participate in joint activities with KTU researchers and not only to see how new products are being developed, but also to create products that meet the expectations of Lithuanian seniors themselves.
Clean water and hygiene (# 6)
University contributes to the implementation of the European Green Course (# 6)
Researchers at the Department of Environmental Technology, KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology, have introduced and are continuing to test a hybrid system of advanced oxidation and sorption with a biologically active adsorbent. It allows to achieve very high efficiency of contaminated water treatment.
Various organic pollutants – phthalates, pharmaceuticals, pesticides – are still found in the treated water of domestic wastewater treatment plants. Scientists around the world agree that these pollutants have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and can also enter the human body because the substances are found in drinking water and the food we eat.
The polluted water treatment process proposed by the researchers of KTU Department of Environmental Technology is carried out in 2 stages:
- In the first stage, the contaminated water is treated by integrating ozonation with photocatalysis. In a relatively short time, various organic pollutants are broken down into small-molecule organic compounds that can be further removed in a biological reactor.
- In the next stage, the contaminated water enters the biologically activated carbon reactor. In it, activated carbon together with microorganisms that decompose water pollutants form an efficient system. Activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds and reduces the initial concentration of organic compounds in water.
Microorganisms attached to the surface of the activated carbon form a biofilm and decompose contaminants in the water. During such a complex process, the time of using activated carbon in the system is significantly extended and a very high efficiency of contaminated water treatment is achieved.
Such a water treatment system can be easily adapted to treat both domestic and industrial wastewater contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. The introduction of this technology in various industrial and agricultural sectors and the re-use of treated water could significantly reduce the cost of clean water from nature.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (# 9)
University promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization and contributes to innovation (# 9)
KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology prof. J. V. Gražulevičius and his team develop, synthesize and research organic non-metallic radiators (non-metallic fluorescent substances), which replace inorganic-based devices that use precious and rare metals. Organic LEDs, unlike inorganic ones, can be flexible and large enough in area. Emitters have a highly efficient emission, with quantum yields of up to 100%. Using these radiators, the devices can be formed both by vacuum evaporation and by a much more technological, economical and environmentally friendly method of casting solutions. One of their main applications is organic light emitting diodes, which are used in industry for the production of televisions, computers, telephone screens and various lighting devices. These new materials are expected to lead to greener electronic devices with higher efficiencies, simpler device designs and lower production costs. KTU researchers work together with an international consortium of researchers from 8 countries around the world.
- Tamulevičius, a professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of KTU and a senior researcher at the Institute of Materials Science, together with his team developed and applied hologram formation technology and software solutions to the market.
While evolving technologies are helping companies to better protect their products from counterfeiters, the growing number of counterfeits shows that this is not enough. The technologies and possibilities used to form holograms have changed over the past decades, but the principle of operation has remained the same: white light illuminates the space in light with diffractive gratings.
Together with a team of researchers from the Department of Multimedia Engineering, KTU Faculty of Informatics, the project “Development and Implementation of a Hologram Diffractive Image Projection Algorithm for Smart Devices (HoloApp)” was implemented. The project uses a femtosecond laser to develop a new technology for direct hologram recording on the surface and an intuitive user interface that generates hologram images for a smart Android platform device. It has been possible to display the colors of the hologram properly on the screen of the smart device, and the integrated gyroscope allows the shades of holograms and visible images to change as you would in a real hologram when you use the device in your hand. Using an advanced femtosecond laser, material is simply removed from the illuminated areas, forming the desired surface relief in the metal foil. Because holograms typically take time to produce, this solution allows potential customers to show what their product will look like without producing the test mark itself.
Hologram production is a sufficiently long process that requires complex equipment and specialized knowledge. Holograms are constantly introducing new technologies and materials, making it increasingly difficult to copy holograms.
Researchers at KTU Faculty of Electrical and Electronics have developed an innovative speedometer and system: the speed of a car is determined in less time and more accurately.
Speedometers are identified as an effective means of encouraging drivers not to exceed the speed limit. Rapid measurement of vehicle speeds is essential for more efficient traffic control, as well as rapid data processing and transmission without compromising information quality.
The system, developed by KTU researchers, is designed for traffic monitoring, vehicle classification, speed measurement and vehicle number plate identification at any time of the day in all weather conditions. The new calculation method is adapted to measure the average speed on a given road section using two meters at a certain distance from each other with the means of vehicle identification. If the speed of the vehicles is measured in order to simultaneously identify the vehicles exceeding the speed at that location, a method of their identification is also required. Using the invention of KTU scientists, a conventional method of vehicle identification can be used, where the vehicle registration number is recorded by video cameras. The video capture camera shall be positioned at such a distance from the speedometers that the speed measurement device shall be able to process the data for determining the speed of the vehicle and transmit a signal so that the video capture camera is ready to capture and capture the vehicle. Magnetic sensors that help determine the speed of vehicles must be located in the area of the video camera, in the middle of the traffic lane, below the surface of the carriageway. These sensors determine not only the speed of the vehicle, but also the value.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (# 11)
University contributes to inclusive and sustainable urbanization (# 11)
In 2020, G. Balčytis, Associate Professor and Architect of KTU Faculty of Construction and Architecture, won the National Culture and Art Prize for architecture open to the city and people. The architect has already been awarded the Badge of Honor of the Lithuanian Union of Architects and the Government Culture and Art Prize, and is almost best known as the author of the projects for the reconstruction of the Kaunas bus station and the exclusive Vilkaviškis bus station.
Many cities want to stand out with their architecture and be famous for their world-class buildings – landmarks. However, such objects are often built regardless of the specifics of the area, which greatly alters and sometimes erodes the long-established environment. According to G. Balčytis, architecture is the art of spaces, not planes. For this reason, it is especially important what space the building creates for itself, the street next door and, in general, what space the city creates.
The architect G. Balčytis, who designed the Kaunas bus station together with his colleagues, proved that the exceptional architectural expression of the building is a strong motive for the building to become a city sign, create a distinctive face for several decades of change and enjoy the quality of the urban environment.
“It is said that new buildings are no longer needed, but it is necessary to renovate or replace old buildings – so that they meet today’s requirements and are suitable for the future. If the building can be adapted to these times, it is both a great advantage and a challenge for architects, because the world has never changed so fast, ”says G. Balčytis.
