Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Conductivity of leather waste carbonized at various temperature: A challenge to conducting polymers
No full textThe pigskin leather was carbonized in inert atmosphere at temperatures up to 1200 °C in order to produce conducting nitrogen-containing carbons. The yield of the solid char was close to 30 wt% at 400 °C and remained still above 20 wt% even at the highest temperature. The original morphology of collagen fibres was preserved except for some shrinkage. The changes in the molecular structure were followed by FTIR spectra. Raman spectra reflected the conversion of the biopolymer to carbon. Specific surface area of carbonized products was low, of the order units m2g−1. The four-point setup was applied to evaluate the resistivity of samples as a function of pressure applied up to 10 MPa. The resistivity decreased with increasing pressure and corresponding double logarithmic presentations were linear. Electrical properties were found to be comparable with conducting polymers, such as polypyrrole. The conductivity of the product carbonized at 1000 °C and 1200 °C compressed at 10 MPa reached 5.3 and 11.2 S cm−1, close to the conductivity globular polypyrrole or polypyrrole nanotubes under the same conditions. The biochar obtained after the carbonization of leather waste thus can compete with conducting polymers when it comes to applications relying on electrical properties.DKRVO-RP/CPS/2022/005Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [DKRVO-RP/CPS/2022/005
Synthesis and exfoliation of calcium organophosphonates for tailoring rheological properties of sodium alginate solutions: A path toward polysaccharide-based bioink
No full textLayered nanoparticles with surface charge are explored as rheological modifiers for extrudable materials, utilizing their ability to induce electrostatic repulsion and create a house-of-cards structure. These nanoparticles provide mechanical support to the polymer matrix, resulting in increased viscosity and storage modulus. Moreover, their advantageous aspect ratio allows for shear-induced orientation and decreased viscosity during flow. In this work, we present a synthesis and liquid-based exfoliation procedure of phenylphosphonate-phosphate particles with enhanced ability to be intercalated by hydrophilic polymers. These layered nanoparticles are then tested as rheological modifiers of sodium alginate. The effective rheological modification is proved as the viscosity increases from 101 up to 103 Pa·s in steady state. Also, shear-thinning behavior is observed. The resulting nanocomposite hydrogels show potential as an extrudable bioink for 3D printing in tissue engineering and other biomedical applications, with good shape fidelity, nontoxicity, and satisfactory cell viability confirmed through encapsulation and printing of mouse fibroblasts.Technology Agency of the Czech Republic [TH02020201]; OP RDE Junior Grants of TBU [CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016941]; European Regional Development Fund; Czech Science Foundation [IGA/FT/2023/006]; DKRVOTBU in Zlin, (313011BWL6, CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016941); Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACR; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GA ČR; European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, (22-33307S
Income inequality and circular materials use: an analysis of European Union economies and implications for circular economy development
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the relationship between income and the recycled materials used in order to rate the business related to circular repair services under the burden of economic development in the countries of the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach: The analytical processes explore data from 2010 to 2020. The countries were divided into clusters according to economic maturity (Human Development Index (HDI), real Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita). Subsequently, the relationships were evaluated through the income indicators (for the 13 population groups), and the circular materials use rate indicator. The three indicators decomposed into five specific metrics were employed. The commonly applied characteristics of the descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and the panel regression analysis were engaged in the investigation.
Findings: The results demonstrated the vast disparities between income and circular materials use. In the more economically developed countries, their levels were twice higher as the less-developed countries. However, there is a meaningful positive relationship between them. The greatest attention was paid to the panel regression analysis applied to the relationship between income and circular economy (CE) use. The results showed that in a majority of the cases (different income categories), there is a significant positive relationship. When comparing the outcomes of the regression models between the groups of the countries according to their economic development, a closer relationship was clearly demonstrated in the countries with a lower level of development (Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Hungary).
Research limitations/implications: Besides the specific strengths, the study also shows some limitations identified mainly on the data side. The latest data on the consumption of circular materials come from 2020, so they do not cover the period related to the pandemic crisis. It is believed that there may have been some changes in income during the pandemic, and they may have harmed CE. Furthermore, there is to note that some limitations occur in the analytical process. The incompleteness of the data can also be included here as certain data is not available; hence, it was estimated directly by the Eurostat statistical authority.
Practical implications: At the same time, the following are currently considered among the primary barriers: financial restrictions, insufficient infrastructure, weak government support and obstacles on the global market. Consumers, industry leaders and the government are the most influential stakeholder groups in overcoming barriers. Higher demand for repair services will also initiate further development of business activities in this area at various regional levels. Progress in the repair services economy will continue to require extensive efforts in the future. Systematic coordination of activities at multiple levels of government together with manufacturers, designers, educational institutions, community institutions and individuals will be essential.
Social implications: Socioeconomic characteristics such as sex, age and education represent crucial predictors of consumer behavior. Therefore, the authors would like to focus future research on analyzing these characteristics and examine all the conceptual frameworks of consumer behavior and its positioning in detail within CE and the strategies related to the repair service. Discussing this issue through follow-up research will allow for solving complex transformational and political tasks related to the repair service strategies within CE. It will also inspire the discussion frameworks and multidisciplinary solutions to this issue affecting the fields of human geography, sociological, ethnographic and political sciences. Originality/value: In less-developed countries, wage change can have a more substantial impact on the development of the CE. Also, a closer relationship between business in the field of repair services with income and the use of circular materials was manifested in the same way.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, (RO/FaME/2022/05)Tomas Bata University in Zln [RO/FaME/2022/05
Sub-region segmentation of brain tumors from multimodal MRI images using 3D U-Net
No full textAccurate segmentation of brain tumors from the magnetic resonance image (MRI) is an essential step for radionics analysis as well as finding the tumor extension is so necessary to plan the best treatment to improve the survival rate. Manually extracting sub-regions of the brain tumor from MRI is a tedious process and time-consuming, as the complex brain tumor images require extensive human expertise. In recent years, deep learning models have proved effective in medical image segmentation tasks. In brain tumor segmentation, the 3D multimodal MRI poses some challenges such as computation and memory limitations. This study aims to develop a deep learning model using 3D U-Net for brain tumor segmentation. The segmentation results on BraTS 2020 dataset show that the proposed model achieves promising performance
Labor market hysteresis of self-employment: A case of the Czech manufacturing sector
Get PDFThe self-employed are considered key drivers of economic growth and the promotion of a sustainable society. Still, a possible economic crisis always brings threats and opportunities for self-employment. This article analyzes the hysteresis of self-employment in the Czech Republic manufacturing sector. The authors deal with the research question of whether self-employed people behave differently from employees during an economic crisis. An unemployment model was created from the analysis. This model contains independent variables (employees and self-employed in C-Manufacturing, previous unemployment, and dummy variables reflecting economic crisis). The self-employed have been identified as a tool to slow down unemployment. The authors emphasize the high level of vulnerability of the self-employed, and therefore a part of the article is devoted to the economic policy of the state. In addition, the data are compared with Germany, which is the Czech Republic’s main trading partner. The new internet services and remote controls under manufacturing seem to be an important opportunity for the self-employed and sustainable development.RO/2020/1
Rheological and fermentation properties of doughs and quality of breads from colored wheat varieties
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to examine the rheological and fermentation behavior of doughs prepared from five different colored wheat varieties (black AF Zora, yellow KM 111-18, purple AF Jumiko, blue AF Oxana and red Vanessa - chosen as a standard), which contain polyphenolics in the outer layers of grains. Three wholemeal flour fractions (fine, semi-coarse and coarse) were used for each variety. The flour fractions differed in the particle size of the bran, the ash content and thus the phenolic compound content. The baking trials, texture and sensory analyses of breads were performed, to assess their overall acceptability.The coarser granulation of flour fractions, average hardness (8.587>77%), cohesiveness (78>75>70%) and resilience (35>32>27%) decreased. Moreover, the increase in off-flavors was detected with higher bran content. Regarding the flour granulation, the fine fraction seemed to be the most suitable due to its high gas-retention capacity. The best products in terms of both dough and bread quality reached blue AF Oxana and yellow KM 111-18.Utilization of colored wheat in bakery industry may present a good strategy of providing value-added products to the consumers.IGA/FT/2022/008, QK1910343; Ministerstvo ZemědělstvíInternal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2022/008, QK1910343]; Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republi
The effect of digital marketing adoption on SMEs sustainable growth: Empirical evidence from Ghana
Get PDFOnline presence is fast becoming a marketing hub for contemporary businesses. Often known as digital marketing, the phenomenon offers several opportunities to businesses. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are using their online presence to launch stern competitive promotions and interact with consumers. Against the backdrop of the stern competition, digital marketing is being utilized to drive sustainable strategies for SMEs. This study leverages the theory of planned behavior to explore the impact of digital marketing adoption on the sustainable growth of SMEs in Ghana. Using a structured questionnaire and SmartPLS version 3.3 for the data analysis, 533 owners/managers of SMEs in Ghana were drawn to administer the questionnaire. Our findings suggest that, while attitudes toward digital marketing did not influence the intention to use digital marketing, perceived behavior control and subjective norms were found to affect individuals' intentions to use digital marketing. Additionally, the results proved a direct positive link between subjective norms and actual behavioral use of digital marketing. Finally, the relationship between the actual use of digital marketing and SMEs' sustainable growth was also proven positive, affirming that digital marketing significantly improved the sustainable growth of SMEs in developing countries. This study contributes to the multiplicity of factors that influence the behavioral tendencies of managers of firms in their quest to adopt digital platforms to enhance their sustainable growth. The study's results serve as guidelines for prospective adopters of digital platforms as they develop their sustainability strategies.Research Innovation Fund Project of CWAS of UESTC; Ministry of Education, China [CXJJ2022060802
The COVID-19 global pandemic and changes in preference and behaviour regarding selected anabolic androgenic substances and steroids – A comparative study
No full textBACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and the ensuing global public health emergency situation have led to restrictions, changes, and measures in the daily life of society as a whole. The situation culminated in a global pandemic. A number of strict restrictions were adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19. These also affected athletes. After their return to regular strength and endurance training, there may be changes in preferences and behaviour regarding anabolic androgens and steroids (AAS) in this population segment.
AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the potential interest in information retrieval and a possible subsequent change in preferences and behaviour regarding banned AAS before and after COVID-19 and the country of the respondent.
METHODS: The Web of Science and Scopus databases were used to work with the secondary data. The primary data was processed using the technique of quantitative research and selected mathematical-statistical methods. The total number of respondents was 220, with 127 from the Czech Republic and 93 from the Slovak Republic. The snowball method was used for data collection.
RESULTS: The results showed that there could be a relationship between the change in respondents’ preferences and behaviour in relation to banned AAS before and after COVID-19 and the country of the respondents.
CONCLUSIONS: The most common motive for a change in behaviour and preferences regarding banned AAS was the same for both countries, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. The other motives differed for each country despite the fact that both countries share similar characteristics otherwise.RVO/202
A fuzzy model for evaluating the level of satisfaction of tourists regarding accommodation establishments according to social class on the example of V4 countries
Get PDFThe main goal of this study is to develop a fuzzy model for assessing the level of satisfaction of tourists with accommodation establishments according to social class using the example of V4 countries. The study aims to support decision-making regarding the assessment of the level of satisfaction of tourists from accommodation establishments according to social class, which reflects the individual and collective psychology of consumers. At the first stage of the model, according to the selected criteria, the level of satisfaction of tourists with accommodation establishments in the region is assessed, taking into account the social class of the tourist. Additionally, generalized estimates of the level of satisfaction of tourists from accommodation establishments in the regions are derived, based on which a ranking series of regions can be built. In the second stage, the degree of satisfaction with visiting accommodation establishments by a potential social class (tourist) in a certain region is predicted. Based on the output data, a decision is made regarding future scenarios to support the decision-making of interested parties, such as tourists, businesses, and public authorities.Tomas Bata University in Zlin, TBU: FSR-S/2020/FaME/001Tomas Bata University in Zlin [FSR-S/2020/FaME/001
Valdžios veiksmingumo rodikliai europos šalyse: Empirinė analizė naudojant panelinius duomenis
No full textBased on a theoretical and empirical approach, the authors strive to evaluate government effectiveness according to the government effectiveness index and the impact of selected (socio-economic) indicators on government effectiveness in European countries in the years 2003–2019. The research examines the position of European countries (EU-27 and the United Kingdom) and focuses on the specification of determinants in transition economies and non-transition economies. The highest government effectiveness in 2003–2019 is observed in Scandinavian countries, whereas the lowest government effectiveness was found in two examples of transition economies, Romania and Bulgaria. Panel data analysis was used for the analysis, specifically the Fixed effects model. The results of the analysis demonstrate the impact of the observed determinants on government effectiveness in transition economies (model 1) and in non-transition economies (model 2). The most significant determiners to affect government effectiveness are GDP per capita and government expenditures on public services in both models (despite a different structure in transition and non-transition economies). Other factors that have a major effect on government effectiveness in transition economies are parliamentary seats held by women, the corruption perception index, and the percentage of women in the position of senior administrators. Our findings can be beneficial for public policymakers in the implementation of government measures and as a basis for changes in the leadership of individual governments leading to increased efficiency1/0590/22; Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA: 1/0683/21, SP2022/74Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic; Slovak Academy Sciences as part of the re-search project VEGA [1/0590/22]; project VEGA [1/0683/21]; SGS Project [SP2022/74