Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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The ICP-MS study on the release of toxic trace elements from the non-cereal flour matrixes after in vitro digestion and metal pollution index evaluation
Get PDFDetailed research analysis of the contents of eight toxic trace elements in non-cereal flours was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the release of elements from the flour matrixes after in vitro digestion was investigated. It also examines dietary intake and evaluates the metal pollution index. The highest digestibility value was measured with banana flour (92.6%), while grape seed flour was the least digestible, only 44%. The most abundant element was Al, followed by Ni, which was present (except banana flour) at concentrations of more than twice that found in food generally. The flax and milk thistle seed flours showed two orders of magnitude higher amounts of Cd than those measured in other flours. When consuming a 100 g portion of non-cereal flours, a consumer weighing 60 kg is exposed to the highest dietary exposures to Al and Ni (in the order of µg/kg bw); the exposures for the intake of Cd, Sn, Hg, As, Ag, and Pb are of the order of ng/kg bw. Grape seed flour was assessed as a significant contributor to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value of Al (16%); in addition, significant contributions of banana, pumpkin, grape, and milk thistle flours to the PTWI value of Hg, ranging from 15 to 22%, were determined. Furthermore, the contributions of milk thistle and flax seed flours to the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) value of Cd were also recognized as significant (specifically, 26 and 49%, respectively). The contributions of milk thistle, flax seed, and pumpkin seed flour to tolerable daily intake for Ni were estimated between 19 and 57%. The margin of exposure values for developmental neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiovascular effects obtained for the intake of Pb were considered safe. During the digestion process, the toxic elements that were the most retained in the matrices of grape and pumpkin seed flour were easily released from the banana flour. The retention factor, which was above 50% for Hg in the grape seed flour, was examined as the highest. All toxic trace elements, which were found to still be part of the undigested portion of the flours, could theoretically pass into the large intestine. In the future, more research is needed to clarify the possible carcinogenesis effect of toxic trace elements in the colon.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/FT/2025/003); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTBTomas Bata University in Zln [IGA/FT/2025/003
Experimental identification of milling process damping and its application in stability lobe diagrams
No full textSelf-excited vibrations represent one of the most unfavorable phenomena in the cutting process because they can lead to the accelerated wear or breakage of the tool, a sudden deterioration in the quality of the machined surface, and an increase in noise and energy consumption. To avoid these negative effects, stability diagrams are used when defining the cutting regimes, which, depending on the main spindle speed and the cutting depth, show the border between the stable and unstable machine tool operation states from the aspect of self-excited vibrations. These diagrams, known as “stability lobe diagrams”, can be defined using mathematical models (analytical or numerical) or through experimental methods. However, when machining at relatively low main spindle revolutions, process damping occurs, which increases the system stability, i.e., enables a greater cutting depth limit. For the stability diagram to be effectively used for predicting the cutting depth limits at low machining speeds, it is necessary to take the effect of process damping into account. This paper introduces an experimental method for the determination of process damping and its integration into the mathematical framework of the Fourier series method, commonly utilized for the construction of stability lobe diagrams.Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina; Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republiky, (KEGA 042TUKE-4/2025); Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republikyMinistry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of Slovak Republic; [KEGA 042TUKE-4/2025
The way to data: opinions and recommendations for the provision of health data for secondary use
No full textHealthcare data held by state-run organisations is a valuable intangi-ble asset for society. Its use should be a priority for its administrators and the state. A completely paternalistic approach by administrators and the state is undesirable, however much it aims to protect the privacy rights of persons registered in databases. In line with European policies and the global trend, these measures should not outweigh the social benefit that arises from the analysis of these data if the technical possibilities exist to sufficiently protect the privacy rights of individuals. Czech society is having an intense discussion on the topic, but according to the authors, it is insufficiently based on facts and lacks clearly articulated opinions of the expert public. The aim of this article is to fill these gaps. Data anonymization techniques provide a solution to protect individu-als' privacy rights while preserving the scientific value of the data. The risk of identifying individuals in anonymised data sets is scalable and can be minimised depending on the type and content of the data and its use by the specific applicant. Finding the optimal form and scope of deidentified data requires competence and knowledge on the part of both the applicant and the administrator. It is in the interest of the applicant, the administrator, as well as the protected persons in the databases that both parties show willingness and have the ability and expertise to communicate during the application and its processing
Unveiling opportunities and obstacles in emerging markets: analysis of women’s home-based enterprises using Delphi-DEMATEL approach
No full textPurpose: Female entrepreneurship remains a critical issue around the globe, particularly in developing economies where they confront various challenges during self-employment. This paper aims to investigate essential opportunities and challenges for Afghan women’s home-based enterprises (WHBEs) that may impact the decision of female entrepreneurs to establish a venture.
Design/methodology/approach: The study interviewed women home-based enterprise owners through a predesigned questionnaire to identify the main opportunities and challenges. The Delphi and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is employed to analyze casual relationships of the main obstacles confronting WHBEs.
Findings: The findings indicate that women home-based enterprise owners utilize substantial opportunities, such as family support and balancing home and business tasks. Challenges include cause and effect groups, while lack of access to finance, insecurity, social restrictions and limited access to digital platforms belong to the cause group. Notably, limited markets, lack of professional knowledge and legal limits have links with the effect group. However, among the identified challenges, legal restrictions remain the highest obstacle, while the lack of access to finance is the lowest challenge in women’s home-based enterprise context.
Research limitations/implications: The cultural and legal barriers that still exist in Afghanistan have made it difficult for researchers to contact female entrepreneurs.
Originality/value: This study fills the gap in investigating casual relationships in an under-researched stream of disadvantaged entrepreneurship, i.e. the WHBE context of female entrepreneurship. It generates value for researchers interested in female entrepreneurship and international organizations that empower women and promote gender equality in developing economies.European Commission, EC, (09I03-03-V04-00004); Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, APVV, (APVV-23-0562, APVV-23-0319, APVV-22-0524)EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia [09I03-03-V04-00004]; Slovak Research and Development Agency [APVV-22-0524
Lenkijos ir Slovakijos produktyvumo analizė pagal darbotvarkės 2030 tikslų įgyvendinimo lygį
No full textThe purpose was to develop a model that allows the realising of an effective comparative analysis of a certain characteristic – productivity, of neighbouring countries – Poland and Slovakia, by identifying the level of fulfilment of selected goals and objectives established in Agenda 2030. It was assumed that the level of sub-productivity of countries is indicated by resource productivity, efficiency and closed-loop. As a result of the realised comparative analysis of Poland and Slovakia, it was found that during the analysed period, there was a general trend of productivity growth in both countries. These countries are successively implementing the activities associated with the transformation of a closed-loop economy and the provisions of the SDGs. The analysed countries in part of the examined tasks related to the provisions of Agenda 2030 achieve a result higher than the EU average, but they have not reached the goal that is most related to the subject of the undertaken analysis (doubling the level of consumption of closed-loop materials by 2030 concerning 2020).The productivity level of the two countries and the rate of their growth in relation to the EU were considered moderately satisfactory. Recommendations arising from the benchmarking exercise mainly relate to further implementation of the rationale of a closed-loop economy and improvement of the legal and institutional environment stimulating activities associated with optimising the use of resources through sensible design and keeping materials in circulation, decoupling economic development from the consumption of scarce resources, developing innovation and stimulating the development of new technologies.Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Faculty of Management and Economics [RO/2023/03
Integrating knowledge sharing and organizational climates to drive talent retention: Insights from the high-end hospitality industry
Get PDFThis study addresses critical gaps in understanding how knowledge-sharing (KS) practices and organizational climates influence talent retention (TR) in the high-end hotel industry, where high employee turnover and demanding service standards pose significant challenges. While previous research has recognized the importance of innovation climate (IC) and mindfulness climate (MC), their combined effects and mediating roles in translating KS into TR outcomes remain underexplored. Additionally, existing studies predominantly adopt linear approaches, overlooking the configurational nature of these relationships. To bridge these gaps, this study adopts a dual-method approach, integrating Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (Smart PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). PLS-SEM results reveal that implicit knowledge (IK) and explicit knowledge (EK) significantly shape IC and MC, which directly enhance TR. Furthermore, IK and EK indirectly influence TR through the mediating effects of IC and MC, underscoring the critical role of supportive and adaptive organizational climates. Complementing these findings, fsQCA identifies key configurations, such as the combination of IC and MC, and the pairing of IC and IK, demonstrating how innovation and emotional resilience synergistically mitigate turnover. This research advances the literature by integrating theoretical perspectives, including the Knowledge-Based View, Conservation of Resources theory, and Nonaka‘s SECI Model, to position IC and MC as dual enablers of TR. By combining linear and configurational analyses, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between KS, IC, MC, and TR. Practical recommendations emphasize embedding KS practices within innovation and mindfulness initiatives to foster employee well-being, engagement, and sustainable TR in the high-end hospitality industry
Sustainability of the trans-european transport networks land infrastructure to address large-scale disasters: A case study in the Czech Republic
Get PDFIn recent years, the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development of transport infrastructure have been examined mainly from an economic, ecological, and social perspective. However, an essential aspect of the sustainability of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) land infrastructure is also the construction and technical parameters of critical infrastructure objects. For this reason, the aim of the article is to define recommendations for the sustainability and future development of the TEN-T land infrastructure. For this purpose, the article presents the procedure for defining and modelling typical transport situations using the TEN-T land infrastructure and the procedure for identifying critical infrastructure objects of the TEN-T land infrastructure. Attention is also paid to the digitalization of critical infrastructure objects, which categorizes infrastructure according to its suitability for excessive and oversized transport using map data. The main output of the article are recommendations for the sustainability and future development of the TEN-T land infrastructure. These recommendations are based on the systematic development of TEN-T in four basic layers, namely legislative, capatitive, construction-technical, and technological. These recommendations are intended primarily for the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, but also for transport infrastructure operators, i.e., Road and Motorway Directorate and Railway Infrastructure Administration.Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACR, (CK03000182); Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACRTechnology Agency of the Czech Republic; [CK03000182
Biodegradable zein/PEG nanofibers incorporated with natural antimicrobial compounds for eco-friendly food packaging
Get PDFNanofibrous zein/PEG based membranes incorporated with natural antimicrobial compounds were fabricated by electrospinning method. Structural and thermal analysis of prepared nanofibers revealed that the applied processing technique did not significantly affect the structure of pristine zein polymer. Morphological characterization showed a higher degree of polydispersity in the fibers modified with eugenol, thymol, nisin, or their combinations, and an average fiber diameter in the range from 300 to 390 nm. Nanofibrous samples with eugenol and thymol prevented the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while the nisin or its mixtures with phenols proved a high antibacterial effect against Gram-positive Listeria ivanovii. Zein/PEG membranes with bioactive molecules significantly eliminated biofilm formation, with the most pronounced effect of zein/PEG/Eug/Thy combination. Biodegradability testing of bioactive membranes revealed no significant slowdown of degradation process in comparison to control sample. Zein/PEG hydrophilic nanofibers enriched with phenol/nisin combinations demonstrated a high potential for development of sustainable packaging to improve the shelf-life and quality of foods.European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; Horizon 2020; DKRVO, (RP/CPS/2024-28/003); Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA, (2/0137/23); Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA; Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlín, (IGA/FT/2025/006, IGA/FT/2024/004); Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020, (862910); Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020European Union's Horizon Research and Innovation Program [862910]; Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zln [IGA/FT/2024/004, IGA/FT/2025/006]; Project of the Slovak Research Agency [VEGA 2/0137/23]; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Republic - DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/003
Employee informal coaching and job performance in higher education: The role of perceived organizational support and transformational leadership
Get PDFThe existing literature has not adequately explored the connection between informal coaching and employees’ job performance, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs). Anchored in the social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of informal coaching practices on job performance, as well as the mediating and moderating roles of perceived organizational support and transformational leadership. Results from a time-lagged study of 768 participants in HEIs in Vietnam indicate that informal coaching from supervisors and peers is crucial in directly enhancing employee performance. Furthermore, the research indicates that perceived support from the organization plays a vital role in mediating the impact of informal coaching on individual job performance. Interestingly, the study suggests that high levels of transformational leadership strengthen the relationships between informal coaching from supervisors and employees’ job performance, as well as informal coaching from supervisors and perceived organizational support. However, contrary to expectations, transformational leadership does not moderate the influence of informal coaching from peers on job performance and perceived organizational support
Dialdehyde polysaccharides as templates for green synthesis of polypyrrole-based materials without oxidative polymerization
Get PDFPolypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most promising conductive polymers, with potential applications in energy storage, flexible electronics, and biomedicine. Broader use of PPy-based materials is, however, limited by harmful reactants used in their preparation and by the absence of strong interactions between relatively chemically inert PPy and the used matrices. Here, an innovative and green method is introduced based on a spontaneous condensation reaction between dialdehyde polysaccharides (DAPs) and pyrrole. The unique structure of DAPs spontaneously facilitates the chaining of pyrrole cycles into PPy copolymers without any added oxidizing agent or catalysts. This presents a new approach for preparing PPy-based materials with low cytotoxicity and strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, ideal for biomedical applications. Moreover, this method can be combined with traditional oxidative polymerization to prepare covalently linked PPy composites with greatly improved resistance toward wear and loss of conductivity.Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MSMT; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GACR, (24-11534S); Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GACR; Centre for Polymer Systems, (RP/CPS/2024-28/001)Ministerstvo ?kolstv?, Ml?de?e a Telov?chovy [24-11534S, RP/CPS/2024-28/001]; Czech Science Foundation; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republi