Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Individuals' attitudes and their adoption intentions of central bank digital currency: Combining theories and analytics for deeper insights
No full textLeveraging a multi-theoretical and multi-method approach, this study investigated the factors influencing individuals' attitudes and intentions towards adopting central bank digital currency (CBDC). Data from Nigeria, a pioneering CBDC nation, were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, which revealed that affordance-based positive valences, including seamless transactions, time convenience, and the societal positive valence of financial inclusion, are the strongest predictors of positive attitudes and, subsequently, usage intentions. Perceived financial cost emerged as the most significant barrier. Lifestyle compatibility demonstrated a moderate positive association with attitude. Further, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis identified four necessary conditions for high usage intentions: seamless transactions, trust in the central bank, positive attitude, and the societal positive valence of financial inclusion. Additionally, six alternative configurations sufficient for high usage intentions were also revealed. These findings offer valuable insights for both theoretical research and policymakers, informing strategies to facilitate early CBDC adoption
Production and logistics 4.0 in the food industry in the Czech Republic
Get PDFThe food industry is the most important sector of the national economy of the Czech Republic, which significantly contributes to the fulfillment of fundamental macroeconomic aggregates such as gross domestic product, employment, exports and others. The food industry is currently facing pressure from customers for higher quality and safety while maintaining low prices. At the same time, however, they must ensure high safety and productivity of their production and logistics flows when there is a shortage of manpower. Another aspect is the sustainability of logistics and supply chains, i.e. the requirement for new materials, packaging and technologies enabling maximum processing and use of inputs. From this point of view, the application of Industry 4.0 elements to the food industry appears to be a necessary step for the company's competitiveness. The article summarizes the results of a questionnaire survey that took place in the period April-May 2023 through the Internet tool Survio. A structured questionnaire was sent to 206 food businesses in the Czech Republic. The enterprises were selected according to the database of the Ministry of Agriculture. 69 enterprises returned correctly completed questionnaires, which makes the return rate 33%. Questions were directed to the area of process stability as a result of two crises, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Further to the field of automation, digitization and robotization to evaluate the current state of involvement of food production in Industry 4.0.Rationalization and sustainability of resources in production logistics processes, DKRVO/FLKR/2024 Logistics System Security [IGA/FLKR/2023/002
Risk assessment of the implementation of digital elements applied to occupational health and safety
No full textOccupational health and safety entail new and emerging risks. One such type of risk is the risks associated with the use of digital tools at work, considering the ageing population. This paper discusses new trends in occupational safety and health, with a focus on digitalisation in this area. The paper will start by focusing on the general possibilities of applying the elements of digitalization in this area. This will be followed by research in enterprises in the Czech Republic and Slovakia that use possible elements of digitalization in occupational safety and health compliance. The results of the investigation will be summarised in addition to the graphical representation by a strategic management analysis - SWOT analysis. The results of the research will provide an overview of the state of the use of digital means for subsequent analysis of possible risks associated with the use of new trends. The risk analysis will use qualitative risk assessment methods such as the WHAT-IF method and the risk matrix. Finally, recommendations will be made to minimize the risks that organizations might encounter when implementing digital tools in the field of occupational health and safety assurance.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TB
A critical examination of large language model capabilities in iteratively refining differential evolution algorithm
No full textIn this study, we investigate the applicability, challenges, and effectiveness of the advanced large language model GPT 4 Turbo in enhancing the selected metaheuristic algorithm, which is Differential Evolution. Our research primarily examines whether iterative, repetitive prompting could lead to progressive improvements in algorithm performance. We also explore the potential of developing enhanced algorithms through this process that markedly surpass the established baseline in terms of performance. In addition, the impact of the model's temperature parameter on these improvements is evaluated. As part of our diverse testing approach, we conduct an experiment where the best-performing algorithm from the initial phase is used as a new baseline. This step is to determine if further refinement via GPT 4 Turbo can achieve even better algorithmic efficiency. Finally, we have performed the benchmarking comparison of selected enhanced variants against the top three algorithms from the CEC 2022 competition.Fakulta aplikované informatiky, Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, FAI; Ministerstwo Edukacji i Nauki, MNiSW; Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/CebiaTech/2023/004); Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR, (GF21- 45465L); Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR; Narodowe Centrum Nauki, NCN, (2020/39/I/ST7/02285); Narodowe Centrum Nauki, NC
Modeling, identification and analysis of twin rotor MIMO systems
No full textThis paper focuses on the modeling and identification of a Twin Rotor Multi-Input-Multi-Output Systems (TRMS). It begins with an overview of TRMS, followed by the formulation and analysis of a comprehensive nonlinear model based on first principles. The static characteristics of main-elevation and tail-azimuth are explored, considering the influence of rotors on each other. Factors affecting real-time model measurements are investigated. The paper then proceeds to identify TRMS parameters using the “fminsearch” algorithm, the Autoregressive Exogenous Input (ARX) model and Auto-Regressive Moving Average with Exogenous Input (ARMAX) models. Comparative analyses of results from each method are presented. Finally, a comprehensive comparison is made between the nonlinear model, linear models, and real-time experimental data for elevation /pitch and azimuth /yaw angles. This work significantly contributes to understanding TRMS systems, providing insights into nonlinear modeling, identification, and analysis. The findings establish a foundation for advancing comprehension of plant behavior and designing requisite control systems.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/CebiaTech/2024/001); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTBInternal Grant Agency of the Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic [IGA/CebiaTech/2024/001
A mortise-tenon-like ionic/electronic conductive interface facilitates long-cycle solid-state lithium metal batteries
No full textSolid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) with high energy density and superior safety have been recognized as next-generation energy storage systems and have attracted a lot of attention. Garnet-type oxide solid-state electrolytes, especially Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO), with high ionic conductivity, low activation energy and superior stability with Li, are among the most promising solid-state electrolyte materials. However, high interfacial resistance, uneven lithium deposition and lithium dendrite growth between Li/LLZTO interfaces have hindered the industrialization of SSLMBs. In this work, a novel mortise-tenon-like hybrid ionic/electronic conductive interface (Li/LZFC@LLZTO) is constructed, which is composed of LiF, LiCl, and a Li-Zn alloy through an in situ transformation reaction. As expected, the interfacial impedance of Li|LZFC@LLZTO|Li is significantly reduced from 128 Ω cm2 to 2.7 Ω cm2, the critical current density increases from 0.3 mA cm−2 to 2.1 mA cm−2, and a prominent cycling performance of 6600 h at 0.2 mA cm−2 or 900 h at 0.4 mA cm−2 is achieved. Consequently, both the Li|LZFC@LLZTO|LiFePO4 and Li|LZFC@LLZTO|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells exhibit excellent rate performance. Furthermore, Li|LZFC@LLZTO|LiFePO4 can maintain a high discharge specific capacity close to 140 mA h g−1 at 0.2C after 150 cycles of stable cycling. This work lays the foundation for developing garnet-based SSLMBs with high critical current density, low interfacial impedance and long-term cycling performance.National Natural Science Foundation of China [22075082]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [18520744400]; International Cooperation Project of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Committee [23-07244S]; Czech Science FoundationNational Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC, (22075082); National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC; Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, STCSM, (18520744400); Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, STCSM; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR, (23-07244S); Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČ
Investigation of combined aging and Mullins stress softening of rubber nanocomposites
Get PDFThe present study investigated the effects of thermal aging, ultraviolet radiation (UV), and stress softening on the performance properties of rubber modified with Cloisite Na+ or Cloisite 20A. Tensile strength (TS), strain at break (SB), modulus, and the retention coefficient were measured before and after aging. Results showed that TS and SB decreased by about 50% after 7 days of aging for all tested samples due to the breakage of the chemical bonds between rubber and nanoparticles. The modulus at 300% elongation increased by 20%, 15%, and 7% after thermal aging for the unmodified sample, nanocomposites with Cloisite Na+, and Cloisite 20A, respectively. The shape retention coefficient of all samples was not affected by heat, except for the virgin rubber sample, which exhibited a decrease of about 15% under thermal aging. The virgin matrix and nanocomposites showed different values of aging coefficient during thermal aging and UV radiation. The dissipated energy of samples that were aged after stretching was slightly higher than that of samples that were aged after stretching due to the breakdown of the bonds within the nanocomposites. Loading-reloading energy results showed that the level of stress softening was lower when Mullins was applied after the aging of the samples. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated a slight decrease in Tg1 in the aged and stretched samples and an increase in the temperature of the first endothermic peak due to the addition of nanofillers in the stretched and aged samples. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all tested samples exhibited similar thermograms, regardless of their state of stretching or aging. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the fracture surface of the virgin unaged sample was rough with some holes, while it was flatter and less rough after aging.Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; Ministerstwo Edukacji i Nauki, MNiSW; DKRVO, (RP/CPS/2024–28/007)Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic-DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/007]; Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Polan
Microwave-assisted condensation approach for vanadium silicate microspheres and their catalytic activity in cyclohexene epoxidation and ethyl lactate oxidation
No full textA novel, highly efficient condensation approach for the preparation of heterogeneous vanadium silicate microspherical catalyst is introduced. This synthetic method is based on a microwave-assisted preparation of hybrid vanadium biphenyl dicarboxylate-based precursor solution and subsequent condensation with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. The as-prepared hybrid metallosilicate is then calcined at 500 °C to obtain amorphous and porous vanadium silicate microspheres with highly dispersed vanadium species inserted into the silicate matrix. This catalyst with 2.85 wt% of vanadium contains evenly distributed VOx species, which possesses high catalytic activity in a cyclohexene epoxidation reaction, reaching a conversion of 54 % after 4 h with 92 % selectivity to cyclohexene oxide. The catalyst's TOF value achieved 220 h−1, indicating its high performance compared to vanadium-containing catalyst analogs. Furthermore, a significant catalytic activity of prepared vanadium silicate microspheres in ethyl lactate oxidation to ethyl pyruvate with the conversion of 21 % at mild conditions shows a high potential of the catalyst for industrial application compared to the contemporary V2O5 heterogeneous catalyst.Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS CR) [LUAUS23085]; MEYS CR within the DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/007]; MEYS CR [LM2023042, LM2018110]; European Regional Development Fund-Project ,,UP CIISB" [CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_046/0015974]; Grant Agency of Masaryk University (GAMU) [MUNI/J/0007/2021, MUNI/A/1298/2022
Electrorheological fluids: A living review
Get PDFElectrorheological (ER) materials have attracted considerable attention over the decades, owning to their unique ability to rapidly change their rheological properties upon exposure to an electric field. Such feature enables these materials in numerous applications. This paper reviews the general aspects of electrorheological fluids (ERFs), and introduces the most often used ER materials. Liquid carriers are briefly compared and numerous dispersed dielectric particles are represented from both, inorganic and organic categories, along with a wide range of composites. A selection of reviewed ERF particles characteristics (their type, geometry, size, conductivity and ER efficiency) is summarized in tables. Advantages and drawbacks of state-of-the-art ERFs are outlined, along with their general requirements. Additionally, an open living online document is attached and meant to keep a summary of the key characteristics of ER particles covered in future ERF-focused publications and create a rich online resource for the scientific community over time. Fellow researchers are therefore welcomed to contact the authors for their published data to be included (the open living table is to be updated regularly).University of Crete, UoC; Institute of Electronic Structure in the Foundation of Research and Technolog
Evaluating surface quality of heterogeneous surfaces produced by non-conventional machining technologies: Methodological advances and challenges
Get PDFThis paper is focused on the evaluation of heterogeneous surface quality. In the realm of scientific practice, there exists a significant inconsistency in the methodologies employed to investigate heterogeneous surfaces produced by non-conventional machining technologies. Traditional approaches are inadequate for these types of surfaces due to the presumption of surface roughness homogeneity, which does not account for the complexities and variations inherent in heterogeneous surfaces. The utilization of unsuitable assessment methods can significantly hinder the research and development efforts related to these advanced technologies, potentially stalling innovation and the optimization of machining processes. However, through an initial investigation of roughness data obtained from heterogeneous surfaces, discernible patterns have emerged. These patterns suggest a promising opportunity for the development of a coherent and standardized approach to surface quality assessment. Such an approach would enhance the accuracy and reliability of evaluations, thereby supporting the continued advancement and refinement of non-conventional machining technologies. The findings underscore the necessity for a shift towards more sophisticated and tailored assessment methods that can accommodate the unique characteristics of heterogeneous surfaces