Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Measuring population diversity in variable dimension search spaces
Measuring diversity in evolutionary algorithms presents a complex challenge, especially in optimization tasks with variable dimensionality. Current literature offers limited insights on effectively quantifying diversity under these conditions. This paper addresses this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of conventional diversity measures in variable dimension contexts and identifying their limitations. We introduce a novel diversity measurement approach tailored to these dynamic environments. Our method comprehensively captures both the structural and parametric diversity of populations, providing a more nuanced understanding of diversity changes over time. Through a series of experimental scenarios, we demonstrate that our proposed measure effectively tracks the evolution of diversity in populations with variable dimensions.Fakulta aplikované informatiky, Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, FAI; Ministerstwo Edukacji i Nauki, MNiSW; Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/CebiaTech/2023/004); Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR, (GF21-45465L); Narodowe Centrum Nauki, NCN, (2020/39/I/ST7/02285
Collaborative robot laboratory setup for repeatable force and speed experiments
This research paper presents a practical laboratory experiment designed to measure the resistance of various fabrics, commonly used in daily clothing, to stab and slash knife attacks. The experiment employs a robotic manipulator to simulate real-life knife movements, ensuring repeatability and stability. The paper focuses on describing the experimental setup and proposing the most effective tools and equipment, rather than analyzing the obtained results. The use of the ABB CRB 15000 GoFa™ collaborative robot offers several benefits for these experiments, including repeatability of tests, ease of use, flexibility, and the ability to directly measure force, speed, and position. This contribution aims to provide a comprehensive guide to conducting such experiments, contributing to advancements in fabric safety and protection. Overall, we can say that the paper opens the door to another area of research where collaborative robots can be used, an area that so far has seen very little use and is therefore an area that has been little explored
Allosteric release of cucurbit[6]uril from a rotaxane using a molecular signal
Rotaxanes can be regarded as storage systems for their wheel components, which broadens their application potential as a complement to the supramolecular systems that retain a mechanically interlocked structure. However, utilising rotaxanes in this way requires a method to release the wheel while preserving the integrity of all molecular constituents. Herein, we present simple rotaxanes based on cucurbit[6]uril (CB6), with an axis equipped with an additional binding motif that enables the binding of another macrocycle, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). We demonstrate that the driving force behind the wheel dethreading originates from the binding of the signalling macrocycle to the allosteric site, leading to an increase in the system's strain. Consequently, the CB6 wheel leaves the rotaxane station overcoming the mechanical barrier. Portal-portal repulsive interactions between the two cucurbituril units play a crucial role in this process. Thus, the repulsive strength and the related rate of slipping off can be finely tuned by the length of the allosteric binding motif. Finally, we show that the CB6 wheel can be utilised within complexes with other guests in the mixture once released from the rotaxane.Jyväskylän Yliopisto, JYU; Masarykova Univerzita, MU; Internal Funding Agency of Tomas Bata University, (IGA/FT/2024/001)Internal Funding Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2024/001]; University of Jyvaskyl
Effect of orientation on the bending properties of a carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic
Additive manufacturing is becoming a very rapidly developing production technology. It provides a wide range of combinations of material processing and used techniques, including the possibility of using different types of 3D printing machines. In order to know the properties of the part and take them into account in the design of the product, it is necessary to know the behaviour of the sample after loading, which was produced under the given specific conditions. The manuscript aims to study the bending characteristics of samples made of plastic reinforced with carbon fibres using additive technology. The samples of the same type were fabricated by FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) using a MakerBot Method X printer. The experimental investigation was carried out using a Zwick 1456 testing machine. The experimentally tested samples were oriented in two different ways regarding the layers building. The measured data were evaluated and compared with the numerically obtained values. The results showed a strong effect of the sample orientation on the bending properties.Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport, (APVV-19-0550); Kultúrna a Edukacná Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR, KEGA, (032TUKE-4/2022, 042TUKE-4/2025); Kultúrna a Edukacná Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR, KEGA; Erasmus+ EU, (ERASMUS+ 2021-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000031182
Primary school teachers' self-efficacy: Sources of its improvement
Self-efficacy is an important teachers’ characteristic that reflects how well they persevere when faced with obstacles. In this study we explored the sources which, according to Albert Bandura’s theory, contribute to changes in self-efficacy. Participants were 984 primary school teachers in the Czech Republic. Two research instruments were employed: (a) ZSE, a scale measuring teachers’ use of sources of self-efficacy and (b) OSTES-Cz, a scale measuring teachers’ instructional efficacy and class management efficacy. Teachers evaluated mastery experiences and emotional states to be the strongest efficacy sources, followed by social persuasion and vicarious experiences. Duration of teaching practice appeared to associate with mastery experiences and vicarious experiences, while social persuasion was related to the type of elementary school. In regression analyses, mastery experiences, emotional states and vicarious experiences significantly predicted instructional efficacy. On the other hand, class management efficacy was significantly predicted by mastery experiences and emotional states. Findings are discussed with reference to future research aiming to overcome methodology limitations
Revealing essential notions: an algorithmic approach to distilling core concepts from student and teacher responses in computer science education
Purpose: This study aims to assess subjective responses in computer science education to understand students' grasp of core concepts. Extracting key ideas from short answers remains challenging, necessitating an effective method to enhance learning outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach: This study introduces KeydistilTF, a model to identify essential concepts from student and teacher responses. Using the University of North Texas dataset from Kaggle, consisting of 53 teachers and 1,705 student responses, the model's performance was evaluated using the F1 score for key concept detection.
Findings: KeydistilTF outperformed baseline techniques with F1 scores improved by 8, 6 and 4% for student key concept detection and 10, 8 and 6% for teacher key concept detection. These results indicate the model's effectiveness in capturing crucial concepts and enhancing the understanding of key curriculum content.
Originality/value: KeydistilTF shows promise in improving the assessment of subjective responses in education, offering insights that can inform teaching methods and learning strategies. Its superior performance over baseline methods underscores its potential as a valuable tool in educational settings
How do boundary objects influence people-centered smart cities? A systematic literature review
This study explores the critical role of boundary objects in the context of people-centred smart cities, a new paradigm in urban development that emphasises citizen participation in planning and decision-making. Boundary objects—artefacts, documents, or concepts that facilitate communication and collaboration across different knowledge domains—are increasingly recognized as essential tools in the complex, multi-stakeholder environment of urban governance. Despite extensive research on boundary objects in organizational contexts, their specific application in smart cities remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating how BOs, particularly collaborative tools and spaces, contribute to innovation, engagement, and knowledge-sharing in people-centred smart cities. Employing a Systematic Literature Review following the PRISMA protocol, this research synthesizes key insights from scholarly articles to comprehensively understand boundary objects' role in urban governance. This study offers a theoretical framework for leveraging boundary objects to enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of smart cities. It suggests avenues for future research, including empirical validation and exploration of boundary objects in diverse geographic and cultural contexts.Universita degli Studi di Torino; CRUI-CAR
How social and environmental investments attract and repel foreign investors: Insights on shareholder and stakeholder engagement
This study investigates the diversifying impact of social and environmental investment (SEI) to attract and repel foreign investors (FIs) while determining to invest in environmental friendly firms. By analyzing SEI strategies within the Chinese context and employing panel data regression analysis, this study reveals numerous major insights. First, firms implementing average SEI strategies tend to attract greater investments from FI. On the other hand, above average SEI do not yield similar benefits, indicating that over-investments in social and environmental projects could repel potential investors, and result in a transfer of wealth from shareholders to stakeholders. Furthermore, the present study reveals that firm performance strengthens the positive association between average SEI and FI. Finally, this study finds that the negative relationship between above-average SEI and FI is intensified when firm performance is considered as a moderating factor. These insights are crucial for policymakers in formulating strategies to enhance foreign investments
Aktywność mięśni w kontekście optymalizacji ergonometrii miejsca pracy pracowników administracyjnych podczas korzystania z komputera
Background. In the prevalent sedentary work environment, where administrative professionals spend 82% of their time seated, this study delves into the musculoskeletal impact of prolonged sitting. Focusing on electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity in various positions, the research explores discomfort disparities between administrative workers and a control group, offering insights for challenges associated with extended sitting.
Material and methods. Engaging 31 participants aged 30-40, the study investigates lateralization and discomfort in administrative workers versus a control group. Employing EMG and a Body Part Discomfort Assessment Checklist, the measurements adhere to ergonomic standards. Ethically approved, the study utilizes statistical analyses, uncovering the musculoskeletal effects of occupational postures.
Results. EMG muscle activity in left and right upper limb extensors and flexors during diverse postures revealed no significant differences within or between administrative workers and the control group. Discomfort assessments displayed a non-significant trend, with the control group reporting slightly higher discomfort than administrative workers.
Conclusions. The findings suggest short-term corrections minimally affect EMG activity, showcasing adaptability to adverse conditions. Administrative workers exhibit lower discomfort during uncorrected sitting, emphasizing adaptability. Although average EMG activity displays no significant difference, further investigations, including pressure algometry, are vital for nuanced insights into the relationship between EMG activity and subjective discomfort in ergonomic interventions.Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TAC
The effect of nitrogen fertilisation, biostimulant application and extra-root phosphorus fertilization on yield and quality of malting barley grain
A series of small-plot field trials were conducted between 2019 and 2021 with the spring barley variety Francin. The impact of Vital Root and YaraVita KOMBIPHOS on the grain quality of malting barley at varying nitrogen fertilization rates (50 kgha(-1) N, 70 kgha(-1 )N, 90 kgha(-1 )N, and 110 kgha(-1) N) was investigated. The following parameters were evaluated: grain size, thousand grain weight, specific weight, starch content, and protein content. The portion of grain ha(-1 )N had a positive effect on grain quality.Internal Grant Agency AF, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic [AF-IGA2020-IP050