Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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The moderating role of proposed external incentives on COVID-19 vaccination intentions in an emerging economy context
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for widespread vaccination to combat the spread of the virus and protect public health. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccination intentions and examine the moderating role of proposed external incentives in an emerging economy context. Specifically, the study explores the impact of attitude, subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural (PB) control on vaccination intentions and examines how external incentives interact with these factors to strengthen vaccination intentions. Data was collected through 318 structured self-report questionnaires administered to individuals. The collected data underwent statistical analysis using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 3.0. The analysis fulfilled all the necessary assumptions and criteria for data quality and model robustness. The findings indicate that attitude, SN and PB control significantly influence individuals’ intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the main contribution of this study lies in its revelation that proposed external incentives positively impact the relationship between attitude and vaccination intentions. This suggests that external factors, such as monetary and non-monetary incentives, play a crucial role in attracting individuals towards preventive vaccination. The findings hold practical implications for policymakers and medical service providers, as they highlight the importance of external incentives in positively influencing vaccination intentions. These insights can aid in designing effective strategies to encourage vaccine uptake and reduce the likelihood of future pandemics
Preparation of GaN nanocrystals with single Ag cores
No full textWe report on a low-temperature hybrid method for the preparation of GaN nanocrystals (NCs) with embedded single Ag cores. GaN growth is realized by a physical vapor deposition of Ga atoms on a SiO2 substrate with colloidal Ag nanoparticles on its surface, assisted with an ultralow energy (50 eV) nitrogen-ion-beam bombardment at temperatures being significantly lower (T < 350 degrees C) than in conventional GaN deposition techniques (e.g., MOCVD, 1000 degrees C). We call this method Low Temperature Droplet Epitaxy (LTDE). The low deposition temperature allows GaN nanocrystals to be prepared with embedded metal-aluminum colloidal nanoparticles as their cores. A combination of STEM, SEM, scanning Auger microscopy, XPS, and AFM was applied to characterize semiconductor and metal nanoparticles. By their implementation, we optimized morphology, structure, and chemical composition of these nanocrystals and, consequently, demonstrated their enhanced photoluminescent properties.Czech Science Foundation [20-28573S]; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (CzechNanoLab Research Infrastructure) [LM2023051]Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR, (20-28573S); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (LM2023051
Revival of polyacetylenes in electronics: Green Light-Emitting Diodes
Get PDFPolyacetylenes (PAs) are among the fundamental semiconducting polymers, but interest in them is currently waning due to the low stability under the workload of electronic devices made from them. Knowledge about the effect of substituents, additives, and fillers on the electronic structure of PA, which is closely related to the stability of these materials and related devices, is not at the required level either. This study deals with an air-stable PA, poly{1-[4-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]-2-phenylacetylene} (PTMSDPA), and its composites with SiO2 insulating nanoparticles and ZnO semiconducting nanoparticles. The electronic structures of these materials are analyzed by using energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) and electron spectroscopic methods. The materials are used to construct electroluminescent diodes, the characteristics of which are presented. The results obtained demonstrate the positive effect of nanoparticle fillers on current efficiency and luminance (up to 182 cd/m2, comparable to current displays) as well as on the stability and lifespan of the diodes with an active layer based on PTMSDPA nanocomposites compared to pure PTMSDPA.University Instituteat Tomas Bata University in Zlin; Centre of Polymer Systems; DKRVO funds [RP/CPS/2024-28/007]; Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/CPS/2024/002]; VEGA [2/0165/22]University Institute at Tomas Bata University; Centre of Polymer Systems, (RP/CPS/2024-28/007); Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University, (IGA/CPS/2024/002
Sustainability and economic attributes of peer-to-peer accommodation: A cross country perception of Asian tourists
No full textPeer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation has expanded the range of offerings in the tourism and hospitality sector. The study explores the familiarity, usage and overall perception towards P2P accommodation among tourists in the Philippines, Thailand and India. It investigates the association among perceived economic benefits, environmental sustainability and socio-demographic characteristics on tourists' overall perception. A web-based survey was deployed in the first quarter of 2020, right in the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. As the travel frequency of tourists cannot be initially ascertained and to capture their usage in the "normal" times, a recall query with respect to their usage over the past six months (June-December 2019) was utilized. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical tests were employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that the familiarity of Thai tourists lags behind other nationalities. Majority have not used P2P accommodation for the past six months; however, overall perceptions remain positive for both active and non-active users. Across nationalities, respondents somewhat agreed on the nuance of economic benefits and environmental sustainability. Moreover, analysis shows its significant positive association with tourists' overall perception.Internal Grant Agency of FaME TBU in Zlin [IGA/FaME/2021/003]; (Consumer behaviour and Performance management of firms in a competitive digital world
Non-hydrolytic sol-gel synthesis of amine-functionalized silica: Template- and catalyst-free preparation of mesoporous catalysts for CO2 valorization
Get PDFCarbon dioxide utilization presents an important and topical research topic. However, the performance of catalysts needed for CO2 transformations does not achieve the necessary levels for their widespread application. To this end, we decided to study non-aqueous condensations providing amine-functionalized silica catalysts, possibly active in CO2-epoxide cycloaddition reaction. While non-hydrolytic sol-gel method is well-known for its efficiency in providing highly porous Lewis and Brønsted acid metallosilicates, here we show for the first time its application for the preparation of silica-based catalysts containing basic groups. First, the reaction conditions were screened to reproducibly obtain porous materials with preserved amine moieties. These were identified as follows: silicon tetraacetate and bridging tertiary amine silanes as precursors, toluene as a solvent, and temperature between 160 and 180 °C. In such a way, materials with up to 776 m2 g−1 and 1.58 cm3 g−1 were obtained in one-step process, without any template, after conventional drying step. Next, the amine-functionalized materials were tested in CO2-epoxide coupling providing cyclic organic carbonates with high selectivity (>99 %) and moderate activity (up to 86 % epichlorohydrin conversion after 1 h at 120 °C and 10 bar CO2). The characterization of spent catalysts revealed a presence of cyclic organic carbonates at the catalyst surface as well as conversion of tertiary amine groups to quaternary ammonium moieties.Grant Agency of Masaryk University, (MUNI/J/0007/2021); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (LM2023042, RP/CPS/2024-28/002); European Regional Development Fund-Project „UP CIISB, (CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_046/0015974, LM2023051); Central European Institute of Technology, CEITEC, (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004572, QM4ST)Agency of Masaryk University (GAMU) [MUNI/J/0007/2021]; MEYS CR [LM2023042, LM2023051]; European Regional Development Fund-Project ,,UP CIISB" [02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_046/0015974]; Quantum materials for applications in sustainable technologies (QM4ST) [CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004572]; Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic-program DKRVO [RP/CPS/2024-28/002
Lean management methods: Evidence from the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic
Get PDFLean management is a way to satisfy the increasing customer demands while maintaining production efficiency. This paper aims to map and analyze the level of use of lean management methods in the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic. It searched for links and dependencies between company size, production type, and lean management methods in operational processes. The data were obtained from a nationwide survey within the manufacturing industry companies and were presented using descriptive statistics. A structured questionnaire was sent to 469 manufacturing companies with a return rate of 18.8%. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Fisher's exact test) was used to confirm or reject the hypotheses. The research results confirmed the dependence of lean management methods on company size and production type. Lean management methods are used mainly by large enterprises, while micro- and small enterprises rarely employ them. Considering production typology, lean management is applied in serial production, and Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) prevails. The most used techniques in mass production include the method of order in the workplace (5S) and Kaizen. The findings suggest that the future of industrial output should focus on sustainability and rationalization of production resources, which is offered by the synergy of lean management and Industry 5.0
Green voices in digital spaces: exploring the impact of knowledge sharing on sustainable engagement and eWOM in tourism
No full textPurpose: This study explores the dynamics of companies' green knowledge sharing (GKS) within the tourism sector, focusing on its influence on green electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention via the mediation of tourists' green engagement behaviour. Additionally, the study considers the moderating effects of green destination psychological ownership and perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online on the pathway from green knowledge sharing to tourists' green engagement behaviour to green eWOM.
Design/methodology/approach: The primary dataset, consisting of 902 valid responses obtained through time-lagged surveys administered to environmentally conscious tourists, was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) by PROCESS package for R.
Findings: Findings indicate that green destination psychological ownership enhances the mediation effect of tourists' green engagement behaviour on green eWOM intention, reinforcing the sense of personal investment and belonging among tourists. Conversely, perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online moderate this pathway by shaping the social norms and acceptability of green behaviours online.
Practical implications: To effectively spread green knowledge, tourism businesses should focus on enhancing tourists' psychological ownership of green destinations and align their communications with the perceived norms of green expression online. This strategy not only deepens tourists' environmental commitment but also stimulates active participation in spreading sustainable practices.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the green marketing literature by revealing how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors interact to influence green engagement and eWOM intention in the tourism industry, aiding marketers in strategically fostering green value co-creation and enhancing sustainable practices through targeted green knowledge sharing
Measuring the influence of technological innovation and social sustainability via the mediating role of organizational innovation and digital entrepreneurship
Get PDFThis research aims to investigate how technological innovation influences social sustainability via the mediating role of organizational innovation and digital entrepreneurship. This investigation employed a quantitative research approach and used data from survey questionnaires based on a set of suppositions evaluated using structural equation modeling. A total of 320 respondent companies from digital provider companies in Thailand. The findings of the research expose that technological innovation has a positive effect on organizational innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Both serve as mediators in the correlation between technology innovation and social sustainability. Moreover, this research will be beneficial for businesses that are implementing new technologies and innovation, considering their role in attaining both environmental and social sustainability.Mahasarakham University, MS
Sharing is caring for the environment: But why would managers resist shared mobility?
No full textThe debate on carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction strategies for a sustainable environment continues unabated. Thus, this study proposes and validates a model for understanding essential factors that can explain resistance to managers' bus-sharing system (MBS). MBS is a sustainability strategy where organizations have well-maintained buses to transport 10–15 managers to and from work. By drawing on an extended status quo bias theory, the study sampled and analyzed 234 responses from managers using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The results show that perceived switching benefits (PSWB) and perceived switching costs (PSWC) relate to perceived value and influence resistance to the proposed MBS. Meanwhile, managers' family/personal life conflicts and perceived prestige concerns increase the PSWC. These findings have essential theoretical implications for sustainability scholarship and inform organizations to adopt family-friendly policies to reduce resistance to MBS.Horizon Europe (HORIZON) - Sustainable Horizons - European Universities designing the horizons of sustainability (SHEs) [101071300
Assessment of solar drying of Brazilian pulp mill primary sludge
Get PDFPulp mill sludge is a challenging by-product in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), due to high moisture content, and poor dewatering characteristics. Solar drying was identified as an appropriate pre-treatment to reduce sludge moisture and enhance its energy efficiency for combustion purposes. Brazil is the world’s second-largest pulp producer, and its high intensity of annual solar irradiation makes it a prime candidate for the application of solar sludge drying technology. This study evaluates the main characteristics of primary sludge (PS) from pulp mills at 65% and 95% moisture content. An active passive solar dryer, followed by ASPEN Plus software simulation was used to evaluate drying properties and combustion potential. CO2 emission impact was explored, and the environmental effects of primary sludge combustion after solar drying were estimated. As indicated by the findings, the sludge commenced with a solids concentration of 21%, eventually reaching 95.5%, thereby enhancing its suitability for combustion. From the simulation, a heat rate expenditure in sludge combustion reported 24672 kW and 16295 kW for a solids content of 65% and 95%, respectively. Therefore, employing solar drying before the sludge incineration is crucial for minimizing energy consumption during combustion. Additionally, solar energy being cost-free, offers an opportunity to alleviate environmental harm.LUT Universit