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Intelligent finance and change management implications
Full text linkChange management is the embodiment of an enterprise's core competence. It provides competitive differentiation and effectively adapts to the ever-changing world. This paper explores the implications of intelligent finance on change management and provides insights into how organizations can effectively manage change to achieve the desired outcomes. The study examines the case of Ping An (Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.), a leading insurance company in China that has successfully implemented intelligent finance and change management strategies. The paper begins with a literature review that provides an overview of the concept of intelligent finance, the relevance of change management in the context of intelligent finance, models, and frameworks for intelligent finance, and approaches to change management. The study then presents a case analysis of Ping An, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression analysis, and qualitative findings. The paper concludes with implications for practice and theory, contributions of the study, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this paper contributes to the growing literature on intelligent finance and change management and provides practical insights for organizations seeking to adopt intelligent finance.O
Harmful Lepidoptera in Czechia - current status, changes and importance
Full text linkAn analysis of the current harmfulness of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) in Czechia was carried out. In total, about 50 species (1.4% of the Czech fauna) of regular or at least occasional pests with a not insignificant economic importance are registered. Of these, 16 (30%) damage field and garden crops, 15 (28%) fruit trees and grapevine, 7 (13%) ornamental greenery, 6 (12%) forest trees and 9 (17%) stored materials. The causes of possible changes in species composition and pest abundance are briefly discussed. The species spectrum of pests has clearly narrowed over the last decades. The loss of harmfulness has usually occurred in less significant, but also in some formerly important pests. The increase of new pests is minimal. In the last 30 years, two newly introduced harmful non-native (invasive) species (Cameraria ohridella and Cydalima perspectalis) were recorded (4 since the mid-20th century). No new Lepidoptera pests have been registered during this period, which have spread spontaneously into Czechia, e.g. due to climate change. About 50 species of moths and butterflies can currently be considered pests of plants or stored materials in Czechia (1.4% of all species). The species spectrum of pests has been narrowing over time, with minor pests losing their importance, as well as some formerly important pests. The importance of most important pests remains more or less the same in the long term, with varying degrees of fluctuation. In the past 30 years, 2 new (introduced) non-native pest species have been registered in Czechia and 2 more are being introduced repeatedly to greenhouses.O
Fertilisers enriched with hydrogels - an alternative for the nutrition of field crops under drought conditions
No full textVýsledky vegetačních zkoušek naznačují, že přídavek malého objemu zeolitových mikročástic do směsi tvořené z malé části syntetickými SAP a podstatného podílu biopylmeru markantně zvyšuje celkový podíl dusíku uvolněného během období 3 měsíců. Použitá směs hnojiva NPK s hydroabsorbenty na biologické bázi, díky vyladěnému profilu uvolňování živin rostlinám, poskytla jejich množství s respektem ke skutečným potřebám kukuřice a přispěla tak efektivnějšímu využití N dodaného hnojivy.The results of the vegetation trials indicate that the addition of a small volume of zeolite microparticles to a mixture consisting of a small proportion of synthetic SAPs and a substantial proportion of bio-polymer significantly increases the total proportion of nitrogen released over a 3-month period. The mixture of NPK fertilizer with bio-based hydroabsorbents used, thanks to the fine-tuned profile of nutrient release to the plants, provided the amount of nutrients with respect to the actual needs of the maize, thus contributing to a more efficient use of the N supplied by the fertilizers.Preprin
Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) of Czechia - updated list of species
Full text linkNa území Česka bylo celkem zaregistrováno 3530 druhů motýlů. Od vydání předcházejícího přehledu druhů v roce 2011 došlo k nárůstu asi o 120 druhů, tj. průměrně asi 10 za rok. Asi 20 dříve započítaných, ale nedostatečně doložených druhů bylo ze seznamu vyřazeno. Z celkového počtu bylo 111 druhů zaznamenáno jednorázově, tj. není doklad o jejich někdejší nebo současné trvalejší přítomnosti v území. Asi 70 druhů z území Česka velmi pravděpodobně vymizelo. Lze tedy počítat s aktuálním výskytem asi 3350 druhů. Z území Čech je známo 3109 druhů a z Moravy (včetně českého Slezska) 3380 druhů. Asi 1200 (35 %) druhů je více méně plošně rozšířeno po celém území, naopak asi 700 druhů (21 %) je výrazně lokálních, známých jen z nemnoha nalezišť. Dalších asi 410 druhů (12 %) je známo jen z českého nebo moravského termofytika. Z nich více než 200 dosahuje v moravském termofytiku nejseverněji ve střední Evropě nebo v rámci svého celkového známého areálu. Pouze asi 40 druhů (málo přes 1 %) je omezeno na oreofytikum. K přehledu zjištěných druhů jsou doplněny stručné kapitoly o mizení a šíření druhů, jsou diskutovány jednorázové záchyty, nepůvodní druhy (asi 50 druhů), druhy zvláště chráněné a ohrožené, tvorba českých jmen a nové poznatky o fylogenezi a klasifikaci motýlů. Nálezy některých druhů jsou krátce komentovány.A total of 3530 butterfly and moth species have been registered in Czechia, with an increase of about 120 species since the previous species checklist in 2011, i.e. an average of about 10 per year. About 20 previously counted but insufficiently documented species were removed from the list. Of the total, 111 species were recorded once, i.e. there is no evidence of their former or current permanent presence in the territory. About 70 species are very likely to have disappeared from Czechia. Thus, current occurrence of about 3350 species can be calculated. 3109 species are known from Bohemia and 3380 species from Moravia (including Czech Silesia). About 1200 (35%) species are more or less widespread throughout the territory, while about 700 species (21%) are highly local, known only from a few localities. About 410 other species (12 %) are only known from the Czech or Moravian thermophytic zones (thermophyticum). Of these, more than 200 reach the northernmost extent of their total or central European known range in the Moravian thermophyticum. Only about 40 species (just over 1%) are restricted to the higher mountain areas (oreophyticum). In addition to the species list, brief chapters on species disappearance and spread, disposable records, non-native species (about 50), specially protected and endangered species, the creation of the Czech national names, and on new insights into Lepidoptera phylogeny and classification are added. Records of some species are briefly commented.Published Versio
Evaluation of plant growth regulators for control of dormancy in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Full text linkIn an environment where fruit production is increasingly affected by unpredictable weather patterns, it is important to look for ways to minimise the impact of climate change on production. Under Central European conditions, a limiting factor for apricot (P. armeniaca L.) and Asian plum (P. salicina Lindley) growing in certain years is the occurrence of late spring frosts. One measure to eliminate their impact is to delay the actual flowering of the trees. This can be done by breeding or just by applying various plant growth regulators (PGRs). In our experiment, the effect of a total of 6 active substances in 16 different concentrations was evaluated. The results show that the application of Ethrel-based mixtures (concentrations of 0.05 and 0.5%) had the greatest influence, delaying flowering by up to 3-5 days, but also had the most destructive effect on tree health. The application of the commercial product Rhodofix (NAA - 0.3%) and the application of a proprietary mixture based on NAA 1.0% did not have a very significant effect, with a delay in flowering of just 2 to 3 days. One interesting finding was that the application of the above products had a statistically significant effect on the ripening date of apricot fruit, with a difference of up to 4 days.O
An ergonomic study of arborist work activities
Full text linkArborists work in high-risk environments, particularly when climbing trees, where a combination of grip strength and resistance to psychological stress are important attributes for safety. This study investigated the physical and cognitive activities of arborists combined with selected workload factors such as blood pressure, pulse, handgrip strength, and other anthropometric measurements, including manual dexterity and spatial awareness. The sample included 10 participants aged 17-48 years. Blood pressure was negatively correlated with handgrip strength after the activity had been performed. Different types of arborist activities led to various types of physiological feedback, as shown by the analysis of variance. According to our results, there is a difference between physical workloads, associated with activities such as tree felling, tree climbing, or chainsaw maintenance, and cognitive workloads, such as supervision or observation, in relation to blood pressure. Blood pressure was higher for activities that involved a cognitive workload. Before and after any activity, handgrip strength was positively associated with hand size. After any activity, greater changes in handgrip strength of the participant's right hand were associated with needing more time to successfully complete a peg test, which represents a greater cognitive burden. Our results suggest that arborists deal with physical activities such as tree felling, tree climbing, working with a chainsaw, and mental activities (supervising or observing) which were identified as two different groups correlated with hand grip strength, blood pressure, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness. In conclusion, the tree-climbing activity appeared to be the least stressful, and psychological stress appeared to have a greater impact on the health of observers and supervisors in the study group. This can be applied to other professions in many fields, including industries where workers face both physical and cognitive workloads.O
Environmental education opportunities for future teachers
No full textWith the ever-increasing impact of human activity on the environment, it is necessary to fully realize that the current trend of interference with nature cannot be continued, as we are reaching a situation where the very essence of life on Earth is beginning to be threatened. Environmental or ecological education is becoming increasingly important as a result of the ongoing serious environmental problems that are beginning to have a very significant impact on human living conditions. The aim of environmental education carried out in schools should be to guide children and young people not only to act responsibly and create attitudes that support sustainable life on Earth, but also to accept their responsibility for the state of the environment and to spend their free time in the proper and sustainable way.Published Versio
Developing competences for labour market of university graduates
No full textKonkurenceschopnost a uplatnitelnost absolventů vysokých škol na trhu práce je jedním z klíčových ukazatelů kvality vysokoškolského vzdělávání. Zaměstnanost absolventů patří mezi signifikantní faktory hodnocení univerzity a poskytování zpětné vazby na její činnost. Podpora relevance studia a spolupráce s praxí, kde se klade důraz na rozvoj kompetencí posilující postavení a uplatnění absolventů na trhu práce, je také jedním z prioritních cílů Mendelovy univerzity v Brně (dále jen MENDELU). Cílem příspěvku je na příkladu realizovaného projektu představit konkrétní aktivity, kterými MENDELU naplňuje výše uvedený cíl, a seznámit s výstupy pilotního dotazníkového šetření, které se zabývá zjišťováním kompetencí požadovaných praxí při vstupu absolventa na trh práce. MENDELU od roku 2017 realizuje projekt v rámci OP VVV s názvem Konkurenceschopný absolvent Mendelovy univerzity v Brně (reg. č. CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/ 16_015/0002365), jehož hlavním cílem je realizovat takové aktivity, které podpoří připravenost absolventů ke vstupu na trh práce a podpoří tak jejich uplatnitelnost a konkurenceschopnost. Konkrétně klíčová projektová aktivita č. čtyři má za úkol dílčími činnostmi propojovat univerzitní prostředí se světem práce a navazovat, podporovat a prohlubovat aktivní spolupráci s potenciálními zaměstnavateli. Dialog mezi univerzitním prostředím a realitou světa práce je nezbytný pro podporu relevance studia a pro podporu připravenosti absolventů k úspěšnému startu jejich profesní kariéry.The competitiveness and employability of university graduates in the labour market is one of the key indicators of the quality of higher education. Graduate employment is among the significant factors in university evaluation and providing feedback on its activities. Promoting the relevance of studies and cooperation with practice, where emphasis is put on developing competences that empower graduatesʼ position and applicability in the labour market, is one of Mendel University in Brnoʼs (MENDELU) priority objectives. The aim of the conference contribution is to present the specific activities by which MENDELU fulfils the above stated objectives, using the example of the ongoing project, and to familiarise the audience with the outcomes of the pilot questionnaire survey, which looks at identifying the competences required by the employers when a graduate enters the labour market. Since 2017, MENDELU has been implementing a strategic project under the OP Research, Development and Education called Competitive Graduate of Mendel University in Brno (Reg. No CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/ 16_015/0002365), the main aim of which is to carry out activities that promote graduates' readiness to enter the labour market and thus promote their employability and competitiveness. In particular, the Key Project Activity No. four aims to connect the university environment with the world of work through its component activities and to establish, support and deepen active collaboration with potential employers. Dialogue between the university environment and the reality of the world of work is essential to promote the relevance of studies and to support graduates' readiness to successfully launch their professional careers.Published Versio
Erosion and the Economic Evaluation of the Conservation Grassland as an Existing Effective Tool to Reduce Erosion
Full text linkProblem with soil erosion has not yet been satisfactorily solved with a holistic approach through a precisely targeted and duly explained strategic plan in the Czech Republic. Even though there are effective means to undertake needed measures, conservation grassland being one of them. The research aims to contribute to the debate that concerns battling soil erosion in Czech conditions. The idea of conservation grassland as an effective tool to battle soil erosion is well-known by the experts and farmers alike. Although there has been a discussion on what should be the extent of conservation grassland on a country-level in Czech conditions, there still has not been enough vigour to push the idea forth. We set two research questions. Firstly, what should be the total volume of agricultural land that should undergo the conservation grassland. Secondly, how to adjust subsidy scheme for making the conservation grassland as erosion protection economically viable for the farmers. We provide answers with holistic analysis of all Land Parcel Blocks (LPB) in 2016-2021 period where the erosion events were analysed, and the Erosion Hazard Classes (TEO) were considered too. We concluded that if we take into the account a five-year project according to 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy scheme, more than CZK 3.4 billion worth of soil could be saved if 103,428.4 hectares were grassed. For a conventional farmer, additional subsidy scheme would have to be presented to compensate farmer's expenses for implementing the conservation grassland that secures an anti-erosion ecosystem service and other ecosystem services as well.O
A holistic model of health inequalities for health policy and state administration: a case study in the regions of the Czech Republic
Full text linkBackground Health inequities exist within and between societies at different hierarchical levels. Despite overall improvements in health status in European Union countries, disparities persist among socially, economically, and societally disadvantaged individuals. This study aims to develop a holistic model of health determinants, examining the complex relationship between various determinants of health inequalities and their association with health condition. Methods Health inequalities and conditions were assessed at the territorial level of Local Administrative Units (LAU1) in the Czech Republic. A dataset of 57 indicators was created, categorized into seven determinants of health and one health condition category. The necessary data were obtained from publicly available databases. Comparisons were made between 2001-2003 and 2016-2019. Various methods were employed, including composite indicator creation, correlation analysis, the Wilcoxon test, aggregate index calculation, cluster analysis, and data visualization using the LISA method. Results The correlation matrix revealed strong relationships between health inequality categories in both periods. The most significant associations were observed between Economic status and social protection and Education in the first period. However, dependencies weakened in the later period, approaching values of approximately 0.50. The Wilcoxon test confirmed variations in determinant values over time, except for three specific determinants. Data visualization identified persistently adverse or worsening health inequalities in specific LAU1, focusing on categories such as Economic status and social protection, Education, Demographic situation, Environmental status, Individual living status, and Road safety and crime. The health condition indices showed no significant change over time, while the aggregate index of health inequalities improved with widened differences. Conclusion Spatial inequalities in health persist in the Czech Republic, influenced by economic, social, demographic, and environmental factors, as well as local healthcare accessibility. Both inner and outer peripheries exhibit poor health outcomes, challenging the assumption that urban areas fare better. The combination of poverty and vulnerabilities exacerbates these inequalities. Despite the low rates of social exclusion and poverty, regional health inequalities persist in the long term. Effectively addressing health inequalities requires interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based policy interventions. Efforts should focus on creating supportive social and physical environments, strengthening the healthcare system, and fostering cooperation with non-medical disciplines.O