Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Mobile accelerometer applications in core muscle rehabilitation and pre-operative assessment
Get PDFIndividual physiotherapy is crucial in treating patients with various pain and health issues, and significantly impacts abdominal surgical outcomes and further medical problems. Recent technological and artificial intelligent advancements have equipped healthcare professionals with innovative tools, such as sensor systems and telemedicine equipment, offering groundbreaking opportunities to monitor and analyze patients’ physical activity. This paper investigates the potential applications of mobile accelerometers in evaluating the symmetry of specific rehabilitation exercises using a dataset of 1280 tests on 16 individuals in the age range between 8 and 75 years. A comprehensive computational methodology is introduced, incorporating traditional digital signal processing, feature extraction in both time and transform domains, and advanced classification techniques. The study employs a range of machine learning methods, including support vector machines, Bayesian analysis, and neural networks, to evaluate the balance of various physical activities. The proposed approach achieved a high classification accuracy of 90.6% in distinguishing between left- and right-side motion patterns by employing features from both the time and frequency domains using a two-layer neural network. These findings demonstrate promising applications of precise monitoring of rehabilitation exercises to increase the probability of successful surgical recovery, highlighting the potential to significantly enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.European Commission, EC; Robotics and Advanced Industrial Production, (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004590); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (SENDISO—CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004596); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMTEuropean Union; Operational Programme Johannes Amos Comenius; European Structural and Investment Funds; Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports [CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004596]; [CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004590
Influence of the number of inserts used for face milling on cutting forces and surface roughnesss
Get PDFThis article examines the effect of the number of inserts in a milling head on cutting forces during machining and the resulting surface roughness. An experimental study was used to compare results using different insert configurations while maintaining a constant feed per tooth. The resulting cutting forces and surface roughness were analyzed and discussed in the context of the optimal setting of cutting conditions. It was found that a reduced number of inserts does not necessarily lead to a reduction in cutting forces during machining and that while maintaining the feed per tooth with a reduced number of inserts, the roughness is not significantly affected. An unexpected result was that inserts can differ in terms of the surface quality achieved. This research also shows that individual inserts can vary substantially in the force load they generate, a phenomenon that can be attributed to their dimensional differences. This study provides valuable insights for industrial applications that require precision machining concerning cutting forces and surface quality. It can potentially improve the efficiency and quality of machining in industrial applications.TBU in Zlin Internal Grant Agency, (IGA/FT/2024/003)TBU in Zlin Internal Grant Agency; [IGA/FT/2024/003
A compressible asymmetric supercapacitor based on carbon Felt/MWCNT@PANI and MXene
No full textCompressible supercapacitors are novel energy storage devices for commercial portable and flexible electronics. Substantial efforts have been made to develop compressible supercapacitors with high voltage output, good mechanical stability, and electrochemical performance. This study investigates the performance of a compressible asymmetric supercapacitor configuration based on a polyaniline-modified carbon felt/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite (a-CF/MWCNT@PANI) as the positive electrode and a titanium carbide-MXene (Ti3C2Tx) as the negative electrode. The acid-functionalized MWCNTs were loaded into activated carbon felt by dipping and drying and subsequently were coated by polyaniline via the chemical oxidation polymerization method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of the dendritic structure of PANI on the surface of 3D porous composite (a-CF/MWCNT@PANI) positive electrode. X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements revealed 2D layered morphology and pseudocapacitive behavior of Ti3C2Tx-MXene. The specific capacitance of the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor was found as 1.6 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2, the corresponding energy density and power density were 262 μWh cm−2 and 2.7 mW cm−2, respectively. The asymmetric cell exhibited a retention rate of 92.4 % after 1000 cycles. Above 50 % strain, the supercapacitor showed a favorable CV profile, which is owing to the enhanced electrical conductivity of the CF composite electrode caused by compression. The capacitance retention retained more than 90 % over 200 compression-recovery cycles.Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MSMT, (RP/CPS/2024-28/005, RP/2024/UNI/001); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MSMT; Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACR, (TK03030157); Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TACRMinistry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic: DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/005, RP/2024/UNI/001]; Technology Agency of the Czech Republic [Theta TK03030157
Social rehabilitation to strengthen the autonomy and self-sufficiency of disabled people: Pre–post study
No full textPurpose: To assess how social rehabilitation (SR) services in Zlín Region, Czechia, strengthen the autonomy and self-sufficiency of disabled persons by monitoring nine areas: exercising rights, safety, work and self-actualization, social relations, eating, coping with everyday tasks and self-care, communication, autonomy, and health care.
Methods: Mixed-methods (Embedded) design was used with two data collection waves (2020-2021), involving structured rating interview with disabled individuals (N2020 = 105, N2021 = 95) and semistructured interviews with social workers (N2020, 2021 = 16).
Results: Improvements were quantitatively observed and qualitatively validated across all monitored areas (p < 0.001 for all domains), with the most notable gains in communication (premean = 2.95; postmean = 3.27; Cohen's d =.619, p < 0.001), less in social relations (premean= 2.82; postmean = 3.02; Cohen's d =.716, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: SR enhances autonomy and self-sufficiency, particularly in communication. Improvements were most notable among 25% of participants, who also saw gains in other areas, highlighting abilities interconnectedness.European Commission, EC, (CZ.03.2.60/0.0/0.0/15_005/0011745); European Commission, ECEuropean Union Operational Program Employment [CZ.03.2.60/0.0/0.0/15_005/0011745
Software architecture influence on software effort estimation
No full textIn the construction industry, choosing a different architecture will lead to very different techniques, costs, and project implementation time. The same goes for software projects. Choosing an appropriate software architecture requires consideration of many factors. This choice significantly affects the success rate of the project. Many software architectures have been proposed in the past and have been successfully applied in the software industry. This study proposes a model to evaluate the influence of software architecture on the accuracy of software effort estimation. This work is done by clustering data according to software architecture and then applying the FPA method and the proposed model to estimate software effort. Experimental results show that clustering data according to software architecture provides higher estimation accuracy than non-clustering data on both the FPA method and the proposed model.This study was supported by the Faculty of Business Information Technology, College of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, under Project CTD-2024-02 and the Faculty of Applied Informatics, Tomas Bata University in Zl\u00EDn, under Project RO 302106002025/2102
Role of megaprojects in achieving sustainability transition, and how do project governance and technological integration impacts megaproject performance through stakeholder engagement
No full textThis research examines the relationships between Project Governance, Technological Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, and Project Performance in large-scale construction megaprojects. Drawing on Agency Theory and Stakeholder Theory, the study explores how governance and technology enhance project outcomes, with a focus on the mediating role of stakeholder engagement. Data were collected from 257 participants involved in construction projects, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS, AMOS, and the Hayes Process macro for mediation analysis. The results revealed that project governance is positively and significantly related to the project performance. While technological integration was found positive but insignificant with project performance, but their impacts was significantly enhanced when stakeholders engaged as mediator in the relationship. The mediation analysis underlined that stakeholder engagement is important for realizing governance structures and technological integration. Findings have important implications by expanding the understanding of the interplay between governance, technology, and human factors. This study offers theoretical and managerial implications
Spiritual well-being of pupils and students: A systematic review of current empirical research
No full textThe exploration of spiritual well-being within the field of education is increasingly recognised as crucial, with empirical research underscoring its beneficial influence on multiple dimensions of the educational experience. While the role of spiritual well-being in varied educational contexts has been extensively discussed by scholars and highlighted in earlier review studies, a significant gap remains: few reviews have examined its relevance within mainstream education, particularly concerning younger populations. This study seeks to address that gap by systematically reviewing empirical research on the spiritual well-being of pupils and students in mainstream educational settings. The review follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a rigorous synthesis of research topics, contexts, methodologies, and principal findings. From a total of 468 articles published between 2014 and 2024 and sourced through the Web of Science and Scopus databases, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. The predominant focus across these studies was the relationship between spiritual well-being and psychological phenomena. Most research concentrated on students in secondary and tertiary education, employing primarily quantitative methods, particularly questionnaire-based surveys. Findings consistently point to the positive contributions of spiritual well-being to students’ mental health and their overall educational engagement. However, direct comparison across studies is hindered by inconsistencies in terminology and difficulties in the operationalisation of key constructs.FHS TBU in Zlin [IGA/FHS/2023/001
Ionic cluster driven polymer network formation: Macroscopic evidence of network reversibility by X-ray microtomography
Get PDFSignificant progress has been made in the field of dynamic reversible networks in polymers, especially in unfilled systems. However, achieving similar reversibility in highly filled and mechanically robust elastomers with restricted chain mobility remains a formidable challenge. Furthermore, characterization techniques for assessing network reversibility are not significantly advanced beyond the traditional evaluation of mechanical properties before and after healing. To this end, a dynamic interaction was studied for bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) mixed with alkyl imidazole, which facilitates the formation of reversible ionic clusters within the elastomer matrix. Moreover, a special type of carbon black with graphitic microstructure was used as a filler not only to reinforce the elastomer, but also to form reversible bonds with the alkyl imidazolium ions by cation-π and π-π interactions. Through the synergistic effect of these interactions, the 1-butylimidazole-treated BIIR achieved excellent mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 14 MPa and an elongation at break exceeding 1000 % with a self-healing efficiency of 71 %. X-ray microtomography studies provided compelling evidence of network reversibility in ionically treated BIIR. 3D reconstructions revealed that approximately 72 % of microcavities disappeared after healing, indicating enhanced material durability. The macro-scale durability was further assessed through tear-fatigue analysis, revealing significantly enhanced resistance to crack growth of the 1-butylimidazole-treated BIIR compared to its sulfur-cured counterpart. The formation of dual dynamic interaction in combination with advanced characterization techniques provides a comprehensive approach for the development of reversible materials and access to their reversibility for real-world scenarios.S.M. and S.W acknowledges \u201CModEl-FuturE\u201D project carried out under the M-ERA.NET 3 scheme (European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme) under grant agreement No 958174. A.D. and S.M acknowledge Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation ) project 404941515 under SPP2100 Programme for partial financial support. G.H. acknowledges the DFG ( Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ) research training group\u201CInteractive Fiber-Rubber Composites\u201D Project 380321452/GRK2430. The Raman work of P. Reinig is partly funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research ( BMBF ) under the project reference numbers 16FMD01K , 16FMD02 and 16FMD03 .European Union [958174]; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation) [404941515, SPP2100]; DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) research training group"- Interactive Fiber-Rubber Composites" [380321452/GRK2430]; Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) [16FMD01K, 16FMD02, 16FMD03
Sodium hexafluorophosphate mediated enhancement of electrical and electrochemical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan solid polymer electrolytes for EDLCs
No full textA free-standing, flexible and biodegradable biopolymer electrolyte (BPE) derived from a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-chitosan (CS) blend immobilizing sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6) salt was fabricated via solution casting method. The effect of salt concentration on the structural, electrical, and electrochemical properties of the electrolyte was systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to ascertain the microstructural changes in the polymer matrix including the complexation of PVA, CS, and NaPF6. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements revealed that the BPE containing 40 wt% NaPF6 exhibited the highest conductivity (6.94 ± 0.04) × 10−5 S cm−1, which was three-order enhancement over the pristine system. The ion transport behaviour, interpreted through the Schütt and Gerdes (S-G) model, revealed that the ionic conductivity of the SPE system is strongly influenced by both the concentration of charge carriers and their mobility. The electrolyte displayed a predominant ionic nature with an electrochemical stability window of ∼3.25 V. When incorporated into an Na-ion EDLC, the optimized electrolyte sample provided a specific capacitance of 42.65 F g−1, energy density of 5.4 W h kg−1, and power density of 95 W kg−1, as determined by galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) tests performed at 0.05 mA g−1Directorate of Minorities in Bengaluru, India [DOM/Fellowship/CR-10/2019-20
Manipulating trapped air bubbles in ice for message storage in cold regions
Get PDFMessage storage using documents and telecommunications encounters high energy consumption and a short life cycle in cold regions. Easily available low temperature and water have created the history-recording glaciers. Inspired by the naturally occurring bubbles in glaciers, we elucidate the underlying physics governing them and develop an ice-based message storage method. The formation process of trapped air bubbles is controlled by the heat and mass transfer during freezing. We identify four ice regions based on the bubbles’ distribution and determine the critical freezing rate between the bubble and clear ice regions at 2.87 μm/s. Manipulating the bubble layer by varying the freezing rate successfully utilizes Morse, binary, and ternary codes to store messages. These findings reveal the underlying physics of the trapped air bubble formations, and the intermittent growth of bubble layers also provides the potential for incorporating artificial intelligence into material solidification, glacier analysis, and gas exploration.This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 52076013, 52406007, and 52306003); Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee (nos. 3212024, 3244046, 3232032, and Z231100006123010); Department of Science and Technology of Hebei Province (no. 244A7625D); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (no. 2022M720423); Key Laboratory of Icing and Anti/De-icing (nos. IADL20230113 and IADL20220304); and Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by BAST (no. BYESS2023352).National Natural Science Foundation of China [52076013, 52406007, 52306003]; Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee [3212024, 3244046, 3232032, Z231100006123010]; Department of Science and Technology of Hebei Province [244A7625D]; China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [2022M720423]; Key Laboratory of Icing and Anti/De-icing [IADL20230113, IADL20220304]; Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by BAST [BYESS2023352