Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Enhancing industrial automation: A practical study on communication protocols and EdMES software integration
No full textDeveloping Communication protocols has played a crucial role in the industry's success. The featured article deals with the main communication protocols used in industrial automation. Materials and methods section summarizes different technologies in primary communication protocols used between devices, represented by the automation pyramid that occurs at different levels or layers. The main contribution of the article is presented in results section as a practical study on using industry protocols with EdMES software to automate production processes. This is maintained by using different communication technologies in an automated process. The article's conclusion specifies the communication technologies identified and how they allow the interaction between other process actors, which are a part of the earlier presented automation pyramid
The concept of spirituality in pedagogy: Literature review
Get PDFThe study provides an overview and systematization of key theoretical approaches to the phenomenon of spirituality since second half of the 20th century and shows their implications for contemporary pedagogical research and discourse. For this purpose, the different approaches are differentiated based on their disciplinary origin. These are approaches rooted in 1) the psychology of religion and spirituality, focusing on the relationship between spirituality and human experience, thought, and behaviour; 2) the philosophy and theory of education, discussing educational goals, forms and methods; and 3) the “science of well-being,” which combines the perspective of subjective experience and standardized indicators of human flourishing. The study highlights the key ideas and concepts of each approach, opening the discussion on the possible direction of pedagogical research in this area
Analysis of Conducted Emission with influences of operating frequencies and amplitudes of a self-oscillating capacitive touch sensing circuit
Get PDFIn the rapidly evolving field of human-machine interfaces (HMI), particularly in the realm of touch screen technologies, capacitive touch sensing has gained prominence due to its superior flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to other touch interfaces, such as resistive-based methods, infrared touch sensors, and surface acoustic wave sensors. However, this advancement comes with increased emission and susceptibility to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and similar disturbances, notably due to factors like operating sensing frequency and voltage. The previous research underscored the challenges of Electromagnetic Emission and some drawbacks of operating capacitive sensors at higher excitation frequencies. Characteristics of traditional capacitance to digital circuits like sigma-delta capacitive sensing circuits operate at higher frequencies, thus producing challenges in terms of emission and susceptibility. This paper offers a detailed assessment of the conducted electromagnetic emissions in a self-oscillating capacitance-to-time converter. The study primarily investigates how conducted emission characteristics change in response to the sensing circuit's operating frequency and voltage variations. The oscillating capacitive sensing circuit conducts sensing with a single clock cycle, thus mitigating some of the issues associated with the traditional capacitive sensing circuits, such as sigma-delta capacitive sensing, which generally require a higher frequency of operations. The results indicate that as the sensing frequency and the operating voltage decrease, the conducted emission of the sensor improves; this phenomenon can be particularly beneficial in high EMI environments like the automotive industry, where capacitive touch sensors are placed close to sensitive electronics.European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program; UK Research and Innovation, UKRI; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, MSCA, (101072881); H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, MSCAEuropean Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant [101072881]; UKR
Outcomes of extremely preterm infants who participated in a randomised trial of dopamine for treatment of hypotension (the HIP trial) at 2 years corrected age
Get PDFObjective: To determine survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Hypotension in Preterm (HIP) trial.
Design: Prospective follow-up of infants enrolled in randomised controlled trial.
Participants: 58 infants born before 28 weeks of gestation with low mean arterial blood pressure. Intervention: Random allocation to treatment of low blood pressure values with infusion of dopamine or placebo. Primary outcome: Survival without neurodevelopmental impairment to 24 months corrected age (CA).
Results: The HIP trial stopped early due to logistic and recruitment difficulties. Outcomes were determined for 55 infants (27 in the dopamine group and 28 in the placebo group) at 24 months CA. Survival without impairment was present in 13 (48%) infants in the dopamine group and 7 (25%) infants in the placebo group (OR 2.79 (95% CI 0.89, 8.72); p=0.078). The components of the primary outcome were similarly distributed between the two arms. Mean Bayley composite scores and the frequency of somatic impairments did not differ significantly between groups but infants were shorter and lighter at 2 years of age after dopamine administration.
Conclusion: In this placebo-controlled trial of the treatment of hypotension in extremely preterm infants, dopamine administration did not increase survival without impairment at 2 years CA. However, the study was not sufficiently powered and a clinically important effect cannot be excluded. The role of inotropic medication in facilitating good outcomes requires further study.EU [260777
ABS nanocomposites for advanced technical and biomedical applications
Get PDFThis study investigated the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based nanocomposites reinforced with different types and concentrations of nanofillers. The uniaxial tensile testing results indicated that Young’s modulus (E) generally decreased with increasing filler content, except at 0.500 w.% filler concentration, where a slight increase in stiffness was observed. A statistically significant interaction between sample type and filler concentration was identified (p = 0.045). Fracture toughness measurements revealed a significant reduction in impact resistance at 1.000 w.% filler concentration, with values dropping by up to 67% compared with neat acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Dynamic mechanical vibration testing confirmed a decrease in stiffness, as evidenced by a shift of the first resonance frequency (fR1) to lower values. Hardness measurements including indentation and Shore D hardness exhibited an increasing trend with rising filler concentration, with statistically significant differences observed at specific concentration levels (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that nanofillers were well dispersed at lower concentrations, but agglomeration began above 0.500 w.%, resulting in void formation and a noticeable decline in mechanical properties. The results suggest that an optimal filler concentration range of 0.250–0.500 w.% offers an ideal balance between enhanced mechanical properties and material integrity.AZV; Intelligence & Talent for Zlín county; Agentura Pro Zdravotnický Výzkum České Republiky, AZV ČR; Ministerstvo Zdravotnictví Ceské Republiky, MZCR, (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004631); Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, UP, (IGA_PrF_2025_022); European Commission, EC, (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004631)Project "Micro- and nano-structuring and biopolymeric modification of the titanium alloy surface 2D and 3D with a polysaccharide/protein complex improving cell adhesion and titanium integration into soft tissues for application in maxillofacial surgery"; Czech Health Research Council (AZV), Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, EU Project; European Union; State budget of the Czech Republic; Project "Creativity, Intelligence & Talent for Zlin county", Palacky University Internal Grant Agency Project [IGA_PrF_2025_022]; [NW25-08-00288]; [CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004631
Boosting customers’ e-word of mouth in online shopping platforms: the role of artificial intelligence through a mixed-methods approach − a Vietnamese perspective
No full textPurpose: Anchoring on the social exchange theory (SET), this study aims to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer behavior within the e-commerce sector. This study investigates the interconnections between perceived benefits of AI, customer trust, customer satisfaction and electronic word of mouth (eWOM).
Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach was used in the Vietnamese e-commerce context. A quantitative survey of 291 respondents was conducted to examine the proposed relationships, while qualitative research involving semistructured interviews with 10 participants provided deeper insights. Thematic analysis of the interview data enriched and validated the quantitative findings, offering a holistic understanding of the phenomena.
Findings: The quantitative analysis indicates that perceived benefits of AI do not directly affect eWOM; however, they significantly influence eWOM indirectly via trust and customer satisfaction, which serve as full mediators. The qualitative findings reveal three primary themes: the impact of AI’s perceived advantages on trust and satisfaction, the indirect connection between AI’s benefits and eWOM and the mediating functions of trust and satisfaction within this framework.
Originality/value: This research addresses a gap in existing literature by analyzing the influence of AI on consumer behavior in a developing market, specifically focusing on Vietnam as a case study. The integration of quantitative and qualitative methods provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing AI-mediated customer interactions. The findings contribute to the theoretical framework of SET within the realm of AI, while also offering practical insights for businesses and policymakers. They emphasize strategies aimed at improving customer trust, satisfaction and eWOM in the context of e-commerce through the application of AI
Revisiting the triadic classification of learning activities: rethinking their measurement
Get PDFInternational organisations have measured adult learning participation since the 1990s, using surveys like the Adult Education Survey (AES) and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). These surveys employ a ‘triadic’ classification of learning activities–formal (FAE), non-formal (NFE) and informal learning (IFL)–to compare participation rates. However, historical and conceptual advancements have highlighted that these categories often overlap, challenging their validity and reliability. Despite this, the triadic classification remains in use, raising concerns about the accuracy of participation data. This article critically examines the continued use of the triadic classification, arguing for a conceptual shift to better reflect the contemporary learning landscape. We review the evolution of the triadic conceptualisation, particularly within the EC’s Classification of Learning Activities (CLA), and critique its practical application in the recent AES (2022) survey. Based on our critique, we propose two alternative scenarios: (1) treating learning categories as fuzzy, overlapping concepts, and (2) conceptualising learning activities along a continuum of formality/informality. We conclude by discussing the implications of these scenarios for future data collection and measurement practices, advocating for instruments that adapt to the evolving digital and blended learning landscapes accelerated by the pandemic
Changes in the thermal and structural properties of polylactide and its composites during a long-term degradation process
Get PDFAs a polymer degrades, its structure changes, and the course of composting also affects the rate and degree of decomposition. Moreover, the potential exists for the formation of microplastics. This work focuses on the investigation of the long-term hydrolytic degradation of PLA-based composites at different temperatures (50, 55, and 60 °C, respectively). Samples were prepared on semi-industrial equipment, simulating actual production conditions. The effect of the degradation temperature on molecular weight was studied by gel permeation chromatography. Variation in the thermal properties and crystallinity of the PLA and its composites was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Mass loss during hydrolytic degradation was assessed using the gravimetric technique, and confirmation of microplastic residues in the hydrolyzed samples was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.European Just Transition Fund; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MSMT; Ministerstvo Životního Prostředí, MoE, (RP/CPS/2024-28/007, CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0009004, RP/CPS/2024-28/002, CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000045); Ministerstvo Životního Prostředí, MoE; Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACR, (TQ03000235); Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACREuropean Just Transition Fund within the Operational Programme: Just Transition under the aegis of the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic; Operational Programme Johannes Amos Comenius OP JAC "Application potential development in the field of polymer materials in the context of circular economy compliance (POCEK)"; Development process of Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, program DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/002, RP/CPS/2024-28/007]; Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic; Technology Agency of the Czech Republic [TQ03000235]; [CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000045]; [CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0009004
Structural factors influencing photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance of low-dimensional ZnO nanostructures
No full textIn this study, low dimensional ZnO nanostructures at three levels of complexity (primary polycrystalline, secondary nanowires, and tertiary nanodendrites) were consecutively synthesized on FTO glass substrates, and the impact of their structure and morphology on photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties was explored. XRD, SEM, and Raman corroborated with PL and UV–vis measurements revealed nanocrystallite wurtzite building blocks with shape anisotropy and defect concentration increasing with the level of complexity. Four estrogenic hormones, i.e., estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), and estriol (E3), were evaluated as model endocrine disruptors to assess the relative photodegradation of each hormone. The same trend was observed for PEC water-splitting performance of these materials as photoanodes under AM 1.5 G illumination. On the contrary, the performance on photodegradation of diclofenac as a model drug and resazurin ink discoloration test revealed superiority of the polycrystalline sample followed by the nanodendrites sample. These reductive photocatalytic pathway processes are likely to be governed by the interfacial charge transfer efficiency at the solution/catalyst boundary, while the other factors may have more intriguing roles associated with the relatively weak reduction potential of ZnO in comparison to its large oxidation potential with respect to water splitting.Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [LTT20010]; DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/007, RP/CPS/2024-28/002