Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Assessment of ergonomic risks in manufacturing enterprises in the Czech Republic
Get PDFThe paper maps the evaluation of ergonomic risks in Czech processing industry enterprises. In today’s dynamic times, the main challenge is to retain quality employees and focus on them. Safety and health protection at work and monitoring and evaluation of ergonomic risks at the workplace are related to employee care. The paper summarizes the results of a nationwide questionnaire survey of the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic. The obtained data was evaluated by using basic descriptive statistics. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Fisher’s exact test) confirmed or excluded hypotheses. The performed analysis shows that the use of ergonomic risk methods does not statistically depend on the type and size of the enterprises. It is further evident from the research results that Czech enterprises should monitor ergonomic risks more
Mathematical function using mechanical properties to calculate chain scission as a function of radiation dose in electron beam treated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer
No full textElectron beam (EB) treatment of a high vinyl styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer was accomplished by exposing the polymer to high-energy electrons generated from an electron accelerator. This resulted in the formation of free radicals of carbon on the polybutadiene units in the backbone of the elastomer and subsequent radical coupling to produce cross-links. In the process, some unavoidable chain scission (CS) also occurred. An attempt was made to mathematically trace the nature of the CS as a function of radiation dose with the aid of the experimentally determined cross-link density (CLD), tensile strength and tear strength, the latter three also obtained as functions of radiation dose. The radiation dose was varied from 12.5 to 300.0 kGy in multiples of 12.5 kGy. The novelty of the work was, in part to create a function that can be used to calculate chain-scission in dependence of EB radiation dose. It was found that a change in the ratio of CS to CLD occurred as a function of radiation dose over the previously calculated constant ratio, using the Charlesby-Pinner equation.Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic - DKRVO [RP_CPS_2024_28_006]DKRVO; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (RP_CPS_2024_28_006
Modernisation of fire protection education in elementary schools
Get PDFThe article deals with the issue of teaching fire protection in elementary schools in the Czech Republic. The area of fire protection is one of the key areas that everyone should be familiar with and it is important to teach children how to prevent fires and how to face fires in case of danger. Thus, this article analyses the current approaches of elementary schools to teaching fire protection and compares the data obtained with approaches in teaching abroad. The obtained comparison is complemented by conducting a questionnaire survey, which underpins the current trends and possibilities of modernising the teaching itself. The results are presented in the form of graphs and the design of a potential application based on the presented mobile applications available on common mobile platforms. The conclusions of the study are summarised in the final chapter, which points to the need to expand fire protection education and the use of modern technologies.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin, (RVO/FLKŘ/2022/02, IGA/FAI/2023/002, RVO/FLKŘ/2024/04, IGA/FLKŘ/2023/003, RVO/FLKŘ/2024/03)Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FLKR/2023/003, IGA/FAI/2023/002, RVO/FLKR/2022/02, RVO/FLKR/2024/03
Composites in ballistic applications focused on ballistic vests—A review
Get PDFThe development of ballistic materials has improved very rapidly in the last few years. Body armor plays an important role in protecting individuals during military threats. Body armor can be divided into hard and soft variants depending on the trade-offs between protection levels and wearer agility. Current research aims to optimize strength-to-weight ratios by using different combinations of synthetic or natural fibers or their combinations to achieve increasingly demanding requirements for ballistic materials. Moreover, it examines the various types of fibers utilized in the construction of body armor, ranging from traditional materials like metal and ceramic to synthetic and natural fibers. This paper discusses ongoing research efforts aimed at further enhancing the performance of these materials, such as the incorporation of modified natural fibers into advanced composite systems. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the materials utilized in ballistic protection.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University, (IGA/CebiaTech/2024/002)Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University, Czech Republic; [IGA/CebiaTech/2024/002
Boosting plant oil yields: the role of genetic engineering in industrial applications
Get PDFAs climate change intensifies and the need to reduce human-caused emissions becomes more urgent, transitioning to a bio-based economy is essential. This paper explores the diverse industrial applications of plant oils as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, including their use in food, polymers, lubricants, surfactants, pesticides, emollients, and biofuels. This review delves into biosynthetic pathways, detailing the key enzymes and processes involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerol. It thoroughly discusses how genetic and metabolic engineering can not only increase oil yields but also modify fatty acid compositions to better meet industrial requirements. By understanding genetics and utilizing advanced biotechnologies, the oil content and quality of plant sources can be significantly enhanced, aligning with both sustainability goals and industrial demands. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current uses and genetic engineering of plant oil production, proposing innovative strategies such as utilizing oils from biomass or cultivating non-edible oil crops. These approaches aim to establish a sustainable industrial system, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote the growth of an environmentally responsible bio-based economy. Additionally, the review highlights future directions, examining the economic implications and environmental benefits of adopting plant oils across various sectors and positioning them as pivotal to achieving an eco-friendly, bio-based economy. © 2024, Alpha Creation Enterprise. All rights reserved
Eco-friendly additives for biodegradable polyesters: Recent progress in performance optimization and environmental impact reduction
No full textBiodegradable polymers have emerged as principal alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, which exert a detrimental impact on the environment. Among these, biodegradable polyesters stand out as particularly noteworthy, renowned for their exceptional properties that find application across diverse industries, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and agriculture. This comprehensive analysis delves into the impact of various additives, with a focus on eco-friendly ones, on biodegradable polyesters, as evidenced by recent research endeavors. The additives are systematically categorized to provide a nuanced understanding within distinct industrial contexts. In the exploration of these additives, a meticulous classification is employed, ensuring a focused analysis of each industry. Furthermore, this study is the first inclusive approach to categorizing additives for biodegradable polyesters. Noteworthy categories encompass hydrolysis stabilizers, oxidative and Ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, nucleation agents, and crosslinking agents, each examined in detail within the scope of this review paper. The biodegradable polyesters under scrutiny in this review encompass PHA, PBS, and PBAT. The examination of these specific polymers allows for a focused and comparative analysis, shedding light on the nuanced responses to various additives within each polymer category. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the interplay between additives and biodegradable polyesters, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly materials across various industries.Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, KTH; Ogasawara Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering; Iwatani Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering; Horizon 2020, (862910); Horizon 2020; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, JSPS, (24K11471); Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, JSPSEuropean Union [862910]; JSPS KAKENHI [24K11471]; Ogasawara Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering (Japan); Iwatani Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering (Japan
Dynamic mechanical and Charlesby-Pinner analyses of radiation cross-linked ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)
Get PDFThe properties of EVA copolymers with various vinyl acetate (VA) contents were compared, with EVA 206 (6 wt.% VA) and EVA 212 (12 wt.% VA) having the same melt flow indices of 2 g/10 min. The impact of electron irradiation at levels of 60, 120, and 180 kGy was studied. Four testing methods were employed as follows: wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD); differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), using a high-temperature frequency sweep at 150 °C; and gel content analysis. The amount of crystalline phase was determined by WAXD and DSC. Copolymers with a higher VA content (EVA 212) had lower crystallinity. The increase in the amorphous phase allows for the greater movement of radicals, enabling them to react and form cross-links. The effects of the VA content, radiation dose, and frequency on dynamic mechanical properties were investigated by DMA. The DMA analysis focused on the shear storage modulus (Formula presented.), damping factor (Formula presented.), and complex viscosity (Formula presented.). After irradiation, the damping factor (Formula presented.) decreased with an increasing VA content, indicating improved elasticity and a higher degree of cross-linking. A gel content analysis was used to calculate the parameters of the Charlesby-Pinner and Charlesby–Rosiak equations, which help with the determination of the relationship between cross-linking and chain scission. The ratio of cross-linking to scission (Formula presented.) was higher for the EVA with a higher VA content (EVA 212). Due to a higher VA content (12 wt.%), EVA 212 exhibits more efficient network formation.Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology; Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/FT/2024/008)Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlin; [IGA/FT/2024/008
The significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness: evidence from nine European economies
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness on economic growth in nine European countries using World Bank data (1995–2021). The analysis employs the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to capture both short- and long-run dynamics. The findings indicate that FDI has a positive short-term effect but a negative long-term impact on economic growth. Similarly, trade openness stimulates growth in the short run but exerts a negative influence in the long run. Gross fixed capital formation has no immediate effect on GDP per capita but contributes positively in the long term. Granger causality tests reveal a unidirectional relationship from GDP per capita to both trade openness and gross fixed capital formation, while a bidirectional relationship exists between gross fixed capital formation and trade openness. These findings suggest the need for balanced policy measures to maximize the benefits of FDI and trade openness while mitigating long-term risks. Policymakers should focus on strengthening domestic industries, enhancing economic resilience, and implementing strategies to improve the absorptive capacity of FDI to optimize its long-run contributions to growth. © The Author(s) 2025
Zein/chitosan/cellulose nanocrystal based active food contact layer: Unlocking the interrelations between release behavior, mechanical stability, and hydrolysis
Get PDFDisposing food and fossil-based packaging waste is currently a huge global challenge. Bio-based active food packaging is potentially an efficient and versatile approach to reducing household and retailer waste. Active compounds released from packaging could increase food shelf-life. Compound release behavior depends on the physical and mechanical durability and strength of the active layer in contact with food. Bio-based polymers are weaker and more prone to hydrolytic degradation than fossil-fuel-derived polymers. In this study, the structure-properties relationships of mechanically and hydrolytically robust and durable bio-based zein/chitosan films with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) filler network, containing different combinations of active compounds, were investigated pertaining to their role as a food contact layer. Different essential oils (EOs), namely thyme (TEO EO) and oregano (OEO EO), and their complex with the phenolic thymol (THY) were investigated as active compounds. EOs worked synergistically with the phenolic THY to increase the mechanical strength and durability of active film layers. The CNC-incorporated active film layers with TEO EO and OEO EO had higher mechanical strength and greater hydrolytic stability compared to non-CNC-included films, which allowed films to remain in contact with food for longer. EO addition substantially enhanced the gas barrier performance of films, and no further improvement was observed with the addition of CNC. EOs/CNC also imparted films with antimicrobial activity in vitro. This paper provides insights into how to design filler network-based active food packaging layers, with regards to which combination of active compounds and fillers are required for different food packaging applications.Aarhus Universitet, AU; Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlín, (IGA/FT/2022/006); European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST, (CA19124); European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COSTInternal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2022/006
Revolutionizing travel: The role of smart tourism technologies in enhancing tourist satisfaction and shaping sustainable destination images: Insights from Istanbul
Get PDFSmart tourism technologies (STT) play a crucial role in enhancing traveler experiences by providing personalized, efficient, and data-driven services. Such technologies help tourism firms to optimize resource management, improve accessibility, and foster innovation in the industry. Keeping in view such an enhanced significance, this paper explores the role of smart tourism technologies (STT) on the perceived value experience of STT, tourists’ experience satisfaction, and the sustainable image of a famous tourist destination. The role of smart tourism technologies was assessed by their attributes, i.e., information, accessibility, interactivity, personalization, and security to propose the research model and do exploration of the revolutionized travel experiences. The survey method is used to collect data from 142 tourists of Istanbul, a city in Türkiye, and analyze by Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that tourists place more value on what they perceive from smart tourism technologies. The measurement model has good reliability and validity. The structural model indicates the significance of relationships of smart tourism technologies (STT). The perceived smart tourism technologies experience has a significant impact on travel experience satisfaction, and tourist experience satisfaction has a significant impact on sustainable destination image. The exploration of the STT attributes towards tourist experience satisfaction and sustainable destination image through the proposed model are theoretical contribution. The availability of accurate, reliable information through user-friendly smart apps and websites with better personalization features to enhance tourists' experiences are the practical implications. The limitations of the study and directions for further research are discussed and presented in the conclusion.RVO project of FaME; Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (RO/FaME/2024/07); Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU; Finance Authority of Maine, FAME, (IGA/FaME/2023/017); Finance Authority of Maine, FAM