Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Effect of CSR implementation and crisis events in business on the financial management of SMEs
Get PDFThe financial management of a business is an integral part of strategic management. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vulnerable to the presence of crisis events in the business environment. In this context, senior managers and owners need to react promptly to emerging changes in a given business segment. The aim of the article is to quantify the effect of crisis events in business and firm’s CSR implementation in business on the financial performance in the SMEs. The empirical research incorporated 1,090 SMEs in the business environment of four Central European countries. The research hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modelling. The empirical findings confirmed the positive impact of CSR implementation in the enterprise on its financial management. The research results did not confirm the negative effects of crisis events in business on the financial management. Crisis phenomena have direct effects on the sustainability of the enterprise; the organizational activities of the enterprise; the functioning of the enterprise in the market and the management of the enterprise. The findings are used as a basis for the preparation of strategic projects of national and international policies helping to cope with crisis phenomena in the business environment of the SME segment
Taking stock of responsible management education in Central and Eastern Europe
Get PDFCorporate social responsibility, business ethics and sustainability - often bracketed under responsible management education (RME) - are topics that are increasingly adopted by universities and business schools across the globe. However, one region where our knowledge regarding the extent of RME is still limited is Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Bringing together a team of scholars (currently or formerly) based throughout the region, we were able to conduct the largest survey to date of RME practices in the CEE region, covering 13 countries. Our findings suggest that, at a declarative level, RME is very much present at CEE universities and business schools, in particular in terms of teaching. However, a pro-RME rhetoric is not necessarily backed-up with substance; in particular, a lack of financial resources was identified as the major barrier to greater engagement with RME practices. We also observed a gap between commitment to RME in teaching versus in research, which could be a potential source of concern as teaching should be informed by research; otherwise faculty remain dependent on imported teaching materials. We contribute to strengthening the RME agenda in management education by discussing the implications of our findings for individual faculty, business school leaders, governments and international associations of management education.IABS; International Association for Business and Society; European Commission, ECInternational Association for Business and Society, IAB
The identification of persons using eye biometrics in a society with high security demands
No full textThe article presents the possibilities of using retinal images for identification of persons using biometric technologies. The properties of the retina that are used for identification are completely unique to each person and do not change over time. The probability that two exactly the same retinal vasculature patterns will be mismatched is very low to zero. Therefore, the use of retina for biometric identification is rated as very accurate in contrast to the reliability of other biometric methods and is used in areas with the highest security requirements. For a comprehensive understanding of the issue, the article contains an overview of biometric technologies, biometric properties and their characteristics. The processing principle and user requirements are described, the advantages and disadvantages of individual technologies are summarized. Subsequently, their reliability is compared according to established criteria. Since identification using the retina turns out to be the most reliable, the article only focuses more specifically on it. The structure of the eye and retina is described in detail, the principle of obtaining, storing and comparing images with the aim of achieving a result in the form of agreement or disagreement between two images. Emphasis is also placed on the safe storage of information obtained in this way with regard to the GDPR in the European Union. At the end of the article, the assessment of the reliability of the biometric system, the financial demands and the possibilities of implementation in companies where the risk of attack and the amount of damage caused are so high that the investment in the biometric system is definitely worth it.Institute of Safety Engineering, Faculty of Applied Informatics; Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA / FAI / 2023/004
Polylactic acid modified by reactive extrusion technology
No full textIn recent years there has been an increase in interest in biodegradable polymers. Biopolymers are upcoming competitors for the synthetic polymers with their profound attributes like eco-friendliness and biodegradability. They can be classified as natural biopolymers, chemically synthesized biopolymers, and microbial biopolymers. One of the most widely used chemically synthesized biopolymers is aliphatic polyester polylactic acid (PLA). It is a thermoplastic derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. Although PLA offers a number of advantages such as high strength and high modulus, excellent optical properties, moisture resistance and biocompatibility, this is a quite fragile material. Other disadvantages are poor impact strength and low elongation. One way to improve the unsuitable PLA mechanical properties is to modify the material with additives like plasticizers, fillers etc. In this research, attention is focused on modification of PLA by reactive extrusion technology. Obtained materials were tested by DSC to evaluate changes in transition temperatures of PLA (Tg, Tm) and mechanical properties were tested too. The significant changes in mechanical properties were noticed.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (AKTION 95p5, IGA/FT/2022/003, IGA/FT/2023/008
Fucoidan- and ciprofloxacin-doped plasma-activated polymer coatings on biodegradable zinc: Hemocompatibility and drug release
Get PDFBlood-contacting medical devices such as biodegradable metallic bone implant materials are expected to show excellent hemocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. Different approaches are being studied and used to modify biomaterial surfaces for enhanced biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. However, the composition of degradable biomaterial must address several drawbacks at once. Iron-reinforced zinc material was used as a metallic substrate with improved mechanical properties when compared with those of pure zinc. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) or polyethylenimine (PEI) was selected as a polymeric matrix for further doping with antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CPR) and marine-sourced polysaccharide fucoidan (FU), which are known for their antibacterial and potential anticoagulant properties, respectively. Radiofrequency air plasma was employed to induce metallic/polymer-coated surface activation before further modification with FU/CPR. Sample surface morphology and composition were studied and evaluated (contact angle measurements, AFM, SEM, and FT-IR) along with the hemolysis ratio and platelet adhesion test. Successful doping of the polymer layer by FU/CRP was confirmed. While PEI induced severe hemolysis over 12%, the PLA-coated samples exhibited even lower hemolysis (∼2%) than uncoated samples while the uncoated samples showed the lowest platelet adhesion. Moreover, gradual antibiotic release from PLA determined by the electrochemical methods using screen-printed carbon electrodes was observed after 24, 48, and 72 h, making the PLA-coated zinc-based material an attractive candidate for biodegradable material design.Development Agency; International Visegrad Fund, IVF, (22310096); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (RP/CPS/2022/001, RP/CPS/2022/005); Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, APVV, (APVV-20-0278, CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/18_053/0017879)International Visegrad Fund [APVV-20-0278]; Slovak Research and Development Agency [CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/18_053/0017879]; Operational Program for Research, Development and Education; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [RP/CPS/2022/001]; DKRVO [22310096]; Visegrad grants from the International Visegrad Fun
ĮSA suvokimas atsižvelgiant į v4 šalių MVĮ aplinkosaugos ramsčio požiūrį
No full textThe aim of the paper is to define, quantify and compare the significant attributes of the impact of the environmental attitude of SME managers on the use and implementation of CSR in the V4 countries. The empirical research, which was aimed at identifying the attitudes of small and medium-sized firms, was conducted in June 2022 in the Visegrad Four countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary). The data collection was carried out by an external company MNFORCE according to a questionnaire designed by the research team. The selection of respondents was made by random sampling from the agency's database. In the Czech Republic, the total number of respondents was 347. In the Slovak Republic the total number of respondents was 322. In Poland the total number of respondents was 381 and in Hungary the total number of respondents was 348. To test the statistical hypotheses, the regression and correlation analysis method (LRM) was used at a significance level of α = 5%. The results of the research showed that the positive attitude of SMEs towards environmental issues and doing business with respect to the environment influences the attitudes of entrepreneurs towards corporate social responsibility in the V4 countries. Knowledge of CSR concept is positively influenced by SMEs' attitude towards environmental aspects of business. As long as entrepreneurs behave responsibly towards the environment, it is assumed that they will positively perceive the possibility of using the CSR concept in the management of the company. Furthermore, the benefits of CSR are more widely realised by environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. Environmental protection is an integral part of socially responsible business and if entrepreneurs choose to run their company and business activities with environmental protection in mind, they are more positively inclined to implement other CSR pillars.Tomas Bata University in Zlin [NFP313011BWN6]; [IGA/FaME/2023/014
Recent advances in nanocellulose-based two-dimensional nanostructured membranes for sustainable water purification: A review
No full textNanocellulose (NC), a one-dimensional nanomaterial, is considered a sustainable material for water and wastewater purification because of its promising hydrophilic surface and mechanical characteristics. In this regard, nanostructured membranes comprising NC and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials emerged as advanced membranes for efficient and sustainable water purification. This article critically reviews the recent progress on NC-2D nanostructured membranes for water and wastewater treatment. The review highlights the main techniques employed to fabricate NC-2D nanostructured membranes. The physicochemical properties, including hydrophilicity, percent porosity, surface roughness, structure, and mechanical and thermal stability, are summarized. The key performance indicators such as permeability, rejection, long operation stability, antifouling, and interaction mechanisms are thoroughly discussed to evaluate the role of NC and 2D nanomaterials. Finally, summary points and future development work are highlighted to overcome the challenges for potential practical applications. This review contributes to the design and development of advanced membranes to solve growing water pollution concerns in a sustainable manner.NCBP, (QUCP-CAM23/24-153); National Capacity Building Program; Qatar University, QUQatar University [QUCP-CAM23/24-153
Oxidative stability of crude oils relative to tocol content from eight oat cultivars: Comparing the Schaal oven and Rancimat tests
Get PDFOats are a good source of oil containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants such as tocols. This study investigated tocol composition relative to oxidative stability in crude oils from eight oat cultivars. Tocol content in the cultivars was as follows: Santini > Saul > Korok > Atego > Kamil > Patrik > Oliver > Marco Polo. Santini had the highest tocol content (155.3 mg/kg of oil), whereas Marco Polo contained only 62.0 mg/kg of oil. Extracted oat oils were subjected to the Schaal oven test at 60 ± 2 °C and the Rancimat test at 100 °C and 110 °C to determine oxidative stability. The induction period of oat samples ranged from 51 to 56 days in the Schaal test, with a protection factor of 7.8–8.6. The Rancimat test yielded induction periods ranging from 3.78 h to 9.31 h at 100 °C and 1.11 h to 4.25 h at 110 °C. Both tests revealed remarkable stability against oxidation. Therefore, oat oil, particularly from the Santini cultivar, could be a valuable and stable source of natural antioxidants for the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, a significant correlation between Schaal-derived induction period and tocopherols or tocotrienols was not identified. This outcome indicates that oil stability is due to more than tocol presence, with other antioxidants in the crude oil likely playing important roles. In contrast, the Rancimat test revealed that β-tocotrienol content was correlated with induction period at both temperatures 100 °C and 110 °C.METROFOOD-CZ research infra-structure project (MEYS) [LM2023064
The influence of selected financial factors on the survival of SMEs in V4 countries
Get PDFSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the global economy. This article examines SMEs' financial management attitudes in the Visegrad Four countries, aiming to understand how these attitudes impact the firms' long-term sustainability. The empirical study, conducted in June 2022, involved 1,398 respondents, comprising owners or top managers of SMEs from V4 countries. The research explores various facets of the long-term viability of companies over the next five years. Central to the investigation is understanding how managerial comprehension of critical financial management aspects, the willingness to embrace financial risks, and effective risk management contribute to a company's enduring success. Additionally, the study assesses how a positive evaluation of a company's financial performance correlates with its overall longevity in the business landscape. Results indicate that financial management significantly influences SME stability in the medium term. Factors positively affecting SME stability include a proper understanding and management of financial risks, along with a positive assessment of the company's financial activities. Correlation analysis suggests that the perception of business continuity over a 5-year horizon moderately depends on understanding key financial management aspects, accepting financial risks as part of daily operations, and adeptly managing them. A positive vision of V4 SME management regarding their own future emerged as a crucial factor in the study. In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of effective financial management practices, risk comprehension, and positive self-assessment for SMEs to achieve sustained stability in the dynamic business landscape.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TB
Volume changes measurement of elastomers using 3D DIC
Get PDFThe presented research aims at measuring the volume changes of elastomers using digital image correlation (DIC) in the 3D configuration (stereo DIC). The deformation measurement method in stereo configuration was applied during the mechanical testing of two types of test specimens (dumbbells, cylinders) in uniaxial tension. In this configuration, two cameras were used. The test specimens were measured up to a specified strain value, and the measured data were used to obtain the strain dependence of Poisson's ratio and the bulk modulus, which are crucial for hyperelastic models. The measurement results reveal that the stereo DIC method provides relatively less scattered data in the low-strain regions for dumbbell-shaped test specimens and is suitable for measuring various test specimen shapes.TBU in Zlin [IGA/FT/2023/004