Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Foliar application of ZnO-NPs influences chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidants pool in capsicum annum l. under salinity
Get PDFZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been proven to helpfully improve plant tolerance to several abiotic stresses. However, no information has been reported concerning the role of ZnO-NPs on pepper plants under salinity stress. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants to ZnO-NP foliar application under salinity. Plants were subjected to 0 (control), 25 (S1), 50 (S2), and 75 mM (S3) NaCl salinity with a foliar spray of 0, 1000, and 2000 ppm ZnO-NPs. Significant reductions were recorded in the chlorophyll index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and in the activity and/or ratios of reduced ascorbate (AsA), reduced ascorbate/dehydroascorbic acid (AsA/DHA), reduced glutathione (GSH), reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and K+ content. There was a significant increase in proline content, electrolyte leakage (EL), H2O2 content, guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) activities, and in Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio. Foliar treatments improved the salinity tolerance of the pepper plants by fortifying the antioxidant defense system, leaf fluorescence parameters, K+, and proline content, and in contrast, by decreasing the EL, Na+, and H2O2 levels. ZnO-NP foliar treatment efficiently improved the pepper plants' physiological responses under salinity. Considering the overall results, 1000 ppm of ZnO-NPs would be advisable for the amelioration of salinity depression and to promote growth potential. However, at higher levels, the nanoparticle showed toxicity symptoms that limited its reliable applications.University of Maragheh; Mendelova Univerzita v Brně, MENDELUUniversity of Maragheh, Iran; Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republi
Teaching algorithms to develop the algorithmic thinking of informatics students
Get PDFModernization and the ever-increasing trend of introducing modern technologies into various areas of everyday life require school graduates with programming skills. The ability to program is closely related to computational thinking, which is based on algorithmic thinking. It is well known that algorithmic thinking is the ability of students to work with algorithms understood as a systematic description of problem-solving strategies. Algorithms can be considered as a fundamental phenomenon that forms a point of contact between mathematics and informatics. As part of an algorithmic graph theory seminar, we conducted an experiment where we solved the knight's tour problem using the backtracking method to observe the change in students' motivation to learn algorithms at a higher cognitive level. Seventy-four students participated in the experiment. Statistical analysis of the results of the experiment confirmed that the use of the algorithm with decision-making in teaching motivated students to learn algorithms with understanding.Slovenská Akadémia Vied, SAV; Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republiky: KEGA 015UKF-4/2021; Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, APVV: APVV-14-0446; Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA: 1/0216/21Slovak Research and Development Agency [APVV-14-0446]; Cultural and Educational Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic [KEGA 015UKF-4/2021]; Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic; Slovak Academy of Sciences [VEGA 1/0216/21]; VEGA [1/0216/21
Critical view on sterilisation effect on processed cheese properties designed for feeding support in crisis and emergency situations
Get PDFThis study aimed to design high-quality and safe spreadable processed cheese with a prolonged shelf life appropriate for logistic support in emergency/crisis situations, foreign missions, and/or state material reserves. Samples with dry matter content (DM) of 30–55 g/100 g and fat in dry matter content (FDM) of 30–50 g/100 g were produced, hermetically sealed and sterilised at 120 °C for 40 min. The microbiological, chemical, textural, viscoelastic, and organoleptic parameters of unsterilised and sterilised processed cheese were compared. The effect of the products' dry matter and fat content on the sterilised samples’ properties was also evaluated. The sterilisation regime applied was sufficient to ensure the microbiological safety of processed cheese. A significant decrease in pH values and increased rate of the complex of Maillard reactions and lipid oxidation processes (P > 0.05) was detected due to sterilisation. These processes were more intense with increasing dry matter and fat content (P > 0.05). A deterioration in the appearance, colour, and aroma of processed cheese and an increase in the firmness of the products (P > 0.05) were also observed as a result of sterilisation. For the quality and safety of sterilised processed cheese, combinations of 40 g/100 g DM and 50 g/100 g FDM were recommended for spreadable products. © 2022 The AuthorsUniverzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA/FT/2022/005; Ministerstvo Obrany České Republiky, MOČ
Alternative punishment as a suitable alternative to imprisonment
Get PDFAim. The philosophy of alternative punishment is based on keeping the convicted person free, while imposing a punishment that will act preventively against committing another felony. The paper focuses on perceiving the importance of alternative punishment as part of restorative justice, and on presenting the results of the questionnaire survey which aimed to identify the public's preferences in the context of various forms of alternative punishments as an option, instead of imprisonment. Attention is paid to three alternative punishments, specifically: community service, house arrest, and monetary sentence (fine). Methods. The questionnaire survey aimed to find out what forms of alternative punishment are, according to the respondents, a suitable alternative to incarceration. The survey sample comprised of Slovak individuals (N=1078) aged from 16 years and older, thereof 31.3% men (N=337) and 68.7% women (N=741). Results. Based on the analysis of the data collected from the 1078 respondents' answers to the individual questions in the questionnaire, community service was identified as the most favorable alternative to imprisonment, whereas the least preferences the respondents gave to the option of monetary fines. Conclusion. The concept of alternative punishment is understood as a form of punishment that fulfills the purpose of a sentence, without deprivation of freedom, but still guaranteeing the fulfilment of a court-ordered unconditional retribution. Compared to traditional forms of punishment, alternative methods of resolving judicial cases do not enforce repression and prefer the individual approach to punishing the accused (convicted) persons with emphasis on corrective aspects of alternative punishment. The results of the survey showed that the respondents strongly prefer one form of alternative punishment, namely the community service
Proposing an e-government stage model in terms of personal information security in developing countries
No full textWith improvements in Internet technology, the majority of governments throughout the world have adopted Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to deliver more efficient and effective services to their agencies, companies, and people. In general, e-Government refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by government agencies to offer and improve public service delivery. Developing countries are extremely enthusiastic about implementing e-government. But these emerging countries are still in the beginning stages of development and suffer from shortages. In e-government, individuals are concerned about their privacy since e-government frequently deals with personal information. This article studies the concerns and obstacles that affect personal information security in e-government, taking into account the majority of security viewpoints, this research proposes models of e-government from perspective of protecting personal data. The study is qualitative in terms of methodology, it depends on documentary studies, content analysis and comparative study. © 2022 IEEE
Analysis of insurance conditions as a tool to ensure physical protection in the Czech Republic
No full textCorporate companies are exposed to a large number of risks, which they have to deal with on a daily basis. Security management always considers which risks need to be avoided, eliminated and which can be accepted. It is possible to protect the company from the effects of some of them by transferring them to insurance companies. Insurance companies cannot prevent crisis situations, but they can help the company with the financial costs incurred. The article describes a model company and its physical protection settings. Furthermore, an insurance contract is introduced, which covers the insu rance risks of damage, destruction and theft of property and overall business liability. The aim of the article is to explain not only the insurance conditions of insurance companies, but also the attitudes of insurance companies in compiling insurance offers in connection with the degree of physical protection. © 2022 IEEE.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA/FAI/2022/00
Parametric software effort estimation based on optimizing correction factors and multiple linear regression
Get PDFContext: Effort estimation is one of the essential phases that must be accurately predicted in the early stage of software project development. Currently, solving problems that affect the estimation accuracy of Use Case Points-based methods is still a challenge to be addressed. Objective: This paper proposes a parametric software effort estimation model based on Optimizing Correction Factors and Multiple Regression Models to minimize the estimation error and the influence of unsystematic noise, which has not been considered in previous studies. The proposed method takes advantage of the Least Squared Regression models and Multiple Linear Regression models on the Use Case Points-based elements. Method: We have conducted experimental research to evaluate the estimation accuracy of the proposed method and compare it with three previous related methods, i.e., 1) the baseline estimation method – Use Case Points, 2) Optimizing Correction Factors, and 3) Algorithmic Optimization Method. Experiments were performed on datasets (Dataset D1, Dataset D2, and Dataset D3). The estimation accuracy of the methods was analysed by applying various unbiased evaluation criteria and statistical tests. Results: The results proved that the proposed method outperformed the other methods in improving estimation accuracy. Statistically, the results proved to be significantly superior to the three compared methods based on all tested datasets. Conclusion: Based on our obtained results, the proposed method has a high estimation capability and is considered a helpful method for project managers during the estimation phase. The correction factors are considered in the estimation process. AuthorFaculty of Applied Informatics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/CebiaTech/2021/001, RO30216002025
Enhancement of the mechanical properties of HDPE mineral nanocomposites by filler particles modulation of the matrix plastic/elastic behavior
Get PDFTwo different nanosized mineral fillers (nano calcium carbonate and nanoclay) were used in the high density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) composites pilot plant production. Structural and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were examined in this study. The homogenous filler distribution was confirmed in the tested samples by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses. The fillers' fortifying effect on polymer composites' mechanical performance was confirmed as indicated by the increased elastic modulus and indentation modulus. Additionally, the possible modulation of the plastic-elastic mechanical behavior was confirmed by the type of the filler as well as its concentration used in the final composites testing articles.Palacky University in Olomouc [IGA_PrF_2021_031]; Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2021/004, IGA/FT/2021/005]; Faculty of Science, Palacky University in OlomoucUniverzita Palackého v Olomouci: IGA_PrF_2021_031; Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA/FT/2021/004, IGA/FT/2021/00
Solid manganese dioxide as heterogeneous oxidant of aniline in the preparation of conducting polyaniline or polyaniline/manganese dioxide composites
Get PDFVarious oxidants used in the preparation of polyaniline are reviewed. Insoluble solid oxidant, manganese dioxide, has been investigated in the heterogeneous synthesis of polyaniline in detail. Aniline was oxidized in acidic aqueous medium at various oxidant-to-monomer mole ratios [MnO2]/[aniline]. At [MnO2]/[aniline] ≤ 1.25, i.e. at and below the stoichiometric composition, only polyaniline was produced, and the solid oxidant was absent in the product due to its reductive dissolution which took place during the reaction. Polyaniline prepared under such conditions did not differ with respect to conductivity from the standard polyaniline obtained with peroxydisulfate oxidant but fused polyaniline nanofibers have been produced instead of a common globular morphology. The composites of polyaniline/manganese dioxide resulted only at [MnO2]/[aniline] >1.25. Spectroscopic methods suggest that the oxidation with excess of manganese dioxide produced polyaniline at higher oxidation state. The presence of manganese dioxide in the products was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and EDAX. The results are important for the understanding of the preparation and properties of polyaniline/manganese dioxide composites that are currently used in supercapacitor electrodes. The present study also illustrates a new potential application, adsorption of organic dyes Reactive Black 5 and methylene blue, as an example of water-pollution treatment. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GA ČR: 19-04859SCzech Science FoundationGrant Agency of the Czech Republic [1904859S
Impact of Information Communication Technology on labor productivity: A panel and cross-sectional analysis
Get PDFThis article examines the contribution of information and communications technologies (ICT) to labor productivity using panel data approach. The study covers the period of 2000-2015 for a complete dataset of 98 countries as well for three selected groups: low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. The findings imply that telephone subscription and broadband subscription have a significant impact on overall labor productivity as well as labor productivity of service sector. The ICT affects the labor productivity, so investing in Information Communication Technology is necessary to increase the labor productivity