Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Gender themes in Czech books for children of younger school age
Children’s literature can become one of the means of shaping personal identity, including gender socialization. The main characters portrayed in a book can become a kind of gender role model. The study examines gender themes in Czech books for children of younger school age that have been awarded the Golden Ribbon and Magnesia Litera prizes. The selected books (n=15) were analysed through quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis. The main findings include the fact that 596 different characters (as well as 29 main characters among them) are represented from a position of gender imbalance (boys and men are represented twice as often as girls and women). In other similarly focused research, the gender imbalance in the number of literary heroes did not have an effect on readers' popularity or the impact of reading on readers, regardless of their gender self-identification. From the results obtained, therefore, we do not conclude on social discrimination, since from a gender perspective we do not encounter any erosion of respect for any individual
Budgetary control and the adoption of consortium blockchain monitoring system in the Ghanaian local government
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the adoption of consortium blockchain technology to ensure interoperability for the transparency of budgetary control in Ghanaian local government. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on the design science research (DSR) observational technique for developing a consortium blockchain budgetary control system for Ghana's local government.
Findings: The study resulted in the design of a consortium blockchain monitoring and evaluation system to set up a mechanism to monitor various budget projects, processes and transactions for Ghana's local government. The findings also proved Ghana is ideally positioned to gain an advantage from designed artefacts such as ours, given its digital financial service (DFS) policy. In addition, the evaluation of the designed artefact proves there will be a positive impact on budgetary processes by addressing transparency concerns; however, the success of this concern depends on how the local government organisation embraces the artefact.
Research limitations/implications: The study sheds light on budget monitoring and evaluation tied to peer-to-peer (P2P) participation in the public sector via an advanced administrative digitalised networking and communication algorithm (A Distributed Ledger Technology - blockchain). The difference between the designed artefact and the traditional M&E system is argued. The study is limited by the paradoxes and inefficiencies of the integration of blockchain into the Ghanaian local government but, at the same time, presents a high level of certainty and possibility. Practical implications: The proposed artefact has presented relevance because it is a new solution to existing concerns like trust, transparency, accountability and compliance, thereby improving local government budget administration.
Originality/value: The study has offered unique and new methods, guidelines and designs for tracking various budget projects and processes beyond the conventional technology-driven approach via DSR, exhibiting a unique solution for solving budget transparency, trust, accountability, compliance and data accessibility concerns.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/FaME/2022/003)Tomas Bata University in Zline [IGA/FaME/2022/003
Cryptocurrency investment using the analytic hierarchy process
Paired with digital currency, blockchain technology has gained immense popularity due to its transformative effects on traditional business processes. This research relies on secondary data from academic literature to identify influential factors in investors’ cryptocurrency decisions. Financial experts’ judgment employs descriptive analysis and a normative research approach. Addressing gaps, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model contributes to a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency indicators, combining fundamental and technical analyses. The outcome is an AHP model with a critical ranking of 15 criteria for multicriteria decision-making, encompassing five groups: crypto profile, economics, technical, social, and risk factors, all drawn from prior research. The paper finds that the technical analysis group is less important than other groups. Moreover, the indicator of market capital is the most significant to consider for cryptocurrency analysis before investment. This approach introduces a psychological dimension to investors’ choices, enhancing rational decisions in the digital currency realm and aiming to maximize investment profits.Đại học Kinh tế Thành phố Hồ Chí Min
Production planning based on relevant data analytics
The presented paper is focused on the essence of data analysis-the content of production data towards the setting of reliable fixed e-data. They are the basis of effective production planning and scheduling. On the basis of theoretical research and research in selected industrial companies, we focus on the probability of abnormality in the real production plan and at the same time on the reliability of achieving the planned production output for the customer. Research questions and scientific hypotheses proved the validity of detailed data analysis of process reporting as a standardized basis for data reporting on production processes.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (VaV/IP-RO/2022/01
Optical tweezers apparatus based on a cost-effective IR laser—Hardware and software description
Optical tweezers (OT), or optical traps, are a device for manipulating microscopic objects through a focused laser beam. They are used in various fields of physical and biophysical chemistry to identify the interactions between individual molecules and measure single-molecule forces. In this work, we describe the development of a homemade optical tweezers device based on a cost-effective IR diode laser, the hardware, and, in particular, the software controlling it. It allows us to control the instrument, calibrate it, and record and process the measured data. It includes the user interface design, peripherals control, recording, A/D conversion of the detector signals, evaluation of the calibration constants, and visualization of the results. Particular stress is put on the signal filtration from noise, where several methods were tested. The calibration experiments indicate a good sensitivity of the instrument that is thus ready to be used for various single-molecule measurements.Department of Physics and Materials Engineering and Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence; Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016941); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTBProject OP VVV Junior Grants of TBU in Zlin [CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016941]; Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Materials Engineering; Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligenc
Bridging the gap between the country and the factors of competitiveness of enterprises
Enterprises desiring to be competitive have to continuously improve and react to the current trends. It is important, therefore, to know consumers' opinions and needs to remain competitive, especially as consumers' behaviour arises from a range of factors and conditions, both macro- and microeconomic. Revenue and the prices of consumer goods, undoubtedly the key determinants that have a direct impact on consumer conduct, decide the market demand, and supply determines the real framework of consumption. Geographical, natural, civilisational, and cultural conditions are among the factors affecting consumers' decisions, influencing consumers' cultural preferences on the one hand and having an impact on consumer behaviour, on the other hand. This paper identifies the factors of enterprise competitiveness in the opinions of Czech, Slovak and Polish consumers. Specialist literature is reviewed, and descriptive statistical methods and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) are applied. The results are analysed on the basis of a survey of a consumer group using STATISTICA 13.0 software. The survey questionnaire relates to an assessment of significance of competitiveness factors used by enterprises. The research carried out can influence the development of theories of business competitiveness, and the results obtained can provide guidance to managers on the selection of key factors of enterprise competitiveness.Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA, (1/0360/23)VEGA [1/0360/23
Does generation cohort matter for teleworking? Diving into challenges and advantages of teleworking concerning Gen Y and Gen Z
This study aims to identify generational cohort differences in terms of telework’s advantages and challenges between Generation Y and Generation Z. To achieve this, a convenience sampling method with 248 teleworkers at the age of 18 who have prior experience, or are currently engaged in teleworking was used. The results showed that Generation Z perceived fewer technology, workload, supervision, and social network barriers compared to Generation Y. On the other hand, in comparison to older generations, younger generations believe that teleworking has more advantages. The findings advise policymakers and managers on teleworker attributes and age needs. Future research should focus on the effects of virtual work and how it affects the company context, with a focus on managers’ perspectives.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/FaME/2023/012)Tomas Bata University [IGA/FaME/2023/012]; Internal Grant Agency of FaME, through Tomas Bata University in Zli
Urządzenia skanujące 360° do rekonstrukcji cyfrowych bliźniaków 3D
This article discusses the possibilities of using the terrestrial multi-frame photogrammetry method in industrial fields. It focuses mainly on the types and possibilities of displaying the captured image in 3D models of point clouds. Three basic types of point cloud models are presented, depending on the sensing device with which the image was captured. These devices include a professional laser scanner and a 360° camera. These devices are complemented by a 360° outdoor camera commonly used by the public. The thesis aims to outline the possibilities of using 3D models of point clouds as information carriers in industrial research fields.Department of Security Engineering, Faculty of Applied Informatics; International Grand Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin, (IGA/CebiaTech/2023/003)International Grand Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/CebiaTech/2023/003]; Department of Security Engineering, Faculty of Applied Informatic
Laser-induced reactions of 4-aminobenzenthiol species adsorbed on Ag, Au, and Cu plasmonic structures followed by SERS spectroscopy. The role of substrate and excitation energy - surface-complex photochemistry and plasmonic catalysis
This study focuses on investigating the laser-induced reactions of various surface complexes of 4-aminobenzenethiol on Ag, Au, and Cu surfaces. By utilizing different excitation wavelengths, the distinct behavior of the molecule species on the plasmonic substrates was observed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to establish the significant role of chemical enhancement mechanisms in determining the observed behavior. The interaction between 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT) molecules and plasmonic surfaces led to the formation of surface complexes with absorption bands red-shifted into the visible and near-infrared regions. Photochemical transformations were induced by excitation wavelengths from these regions, with the nature of the transformations varying based on the excitation wavelength and the plasmonic metal. Resonance with the electronic absorption transitions of these complexes amplifies surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), enabling the detailed examination of ongoing processes. A kinetic study on the Ag surface revealed processes governed by both first- and second-order kinetics, attributed to the dimerization process and transformation processes of individual molecules interacting with photons or plasmons. The behavior of the molecules was found to be primarily determined by the position and variability of the band between 1170 and 1190 cm-1, with the former corresponding to molecules in the monomer state and the latter to dimerized molecules. Notably, laser-induced dimerization occurred most rapidly on the Cu surface, followed by Ag, and least on Au. These findings highlight the influence of plasmonic surfaces on molecular behavior and provide insights into the potential applications of laser-induced reactions for surface analysis and manipulation.University of Chemistry and Technology Prague; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GA ČR, (20–08679S)Grantov? Agentura Cesk? Republiky; University of Chemistry and Technology Pragu
Effect of controllable modification of SrTiO ceramic nanoparticles on piezo-active nanocomposites properties
In this work the P(VDF-co-HFP) was chosen as a matrix due to the better mechanical properties compared to neat PVDF. Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) was chosen as one of the lead-free ceramics and to observe its impact of modification on nanocomposite properties. SrTiO3 nanoparticles were successfully coated with (2,2,2 triflouroethyl methacrylate) short polymer brushes using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) in order to improve the compatibility between the particles and polymer matrix. Polymer grafted from the particles surface was analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (polymer chain length and polydispersity index) and using nuclear magnetic resonance (monomer conversion). Both, neat SrTiO3 nanoparticles and their modified analogues were characterized and further compounded with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) to obtain homogenous nanocomposites. Mechanical properties were analyzed using DMA and tensile tests. Characteristic temperatures and crystallinity were evaluated using DSC. The β-phase content was calculated using FTIR. Finally,. It was found out that modification of nanoparticles significantly enhanced the piezo-electric activity namely d33 coefficient due to the better homogeneity of the system and improved mechanical properties.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/CPS/2023/007]; Ministery of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [RP/CPS/2022/003]; Research & Innovation Operational Programme - ERDF [313021T081