Tomas Bata University in Zlín
Institutional repository of Tomas Bata University LibraryNot a member yet
10673 research outputs found
Sort by
Modification of polyvinyl chloride composites for radiographic detection of polyvinyl chloride retained surgical items
Get PDFThe ever-present risk of surgical items being retained represents a real medical peril for the patient and potential liability issues for medical staff. Radiofrequency scanning technology is a very good means to substantially reduce such accidents. Radiolucent medical-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for the production of medical items is filled with radiopaque agents to enable X-ray visibility. The present study proves the suitability of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) and documents its advantages over the classical radiopaque agent barium sulfate (BaSO4). An addition of BiOCl exhibits excellent chemical and physical stability (no leaching, thermo-mechanical properties) and good dispersibility within the PVC matrix. As documented, using half the quantity of BiOCl compared to BaSO4 will provide a very good result. The conclusions are based on the methods of rotational rheometry, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the verification of zero leaching of BiOCl out of a PVC matrix. X-ray images of the studied materials are presented, and an optimal concentration of BiOCl is evaluated.RP/CPS/2022/003; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; Akademie Věd České Republiky, AV ČR: RVO 67985874Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic -DKRVO [RP/CPS/2022/003]; Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic [RVO 67985874
COVID-19 detection from chest X-ray images using Detectron2 and Faster R-CNN
No full textThe COVID-19 outbreak has been causing immense damage to global health and has put the world under tremendous pressure since early 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared in March 2020 the novel coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic. Testing of infected patients and early recognition of positive cases is considered a critical step in the fight against COVID-19 to avoid further spreading of this epidemic. As there are no fast and accurate tools available till now for the detection of COVID-19 positive cases, the need for supporting diagnostic tools has increased. Any technological method that can provide rapid and accurate detection will be very useful to medical professionals. However, there are several methods to detect COVID-19 positive cases that are typically performed based on chest X-ray images that contain relevant information about the COVID-19 virus. This paper goal is to introduce a Detectron2 and Faster R-CNN to diagnose COVID-19 automatically from X-ray images. In addition, this study could support non-radiologists with better localization of the disease by visual bounding box
Conducting polypyrrole-coated leathers
Get PDFConducting polymers are promising materials applicable as interfaces in various functional materials given they intrinsically possess electronic and ionic conductivity. Herein, a conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy) was explored for surface modification of three different leathers via in-situ oxidation of pyrrole in the absence and the presence of two stabilizing polymers, hydroxypropylcellulose and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone). Colloidal dispersed PPy assemblies were formed with colloidal stabilizers along with PPy-coated leathers and hampered the formation of PPy precipitates that would otherwise contaminate the leather surface. The surface-modified bio-based composites were characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. PPy was deposited on collagen fibers on both sides of the leather. The thickness of the PPy layer varied between 24 and 200 mu m. Mechanical properties of the leathers manifested themselves by the decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break after the modification process. Sheet resistances were in the range of 100-103 k omega/sq with the highest values observed for materials modified in the presence of the polymeric stabilizers. Different sheet resistances were obtained for the top and bottom sides of the leathers depending on the surface finishing. Furthermore, the modified leathers were subjected to cyclic bending tests and the variation in their resistivity was studied. The conductivity and electroactivity of the modified materials may serve as guidance for the rational design of intelligent leathers in the footwear, as heating elements, and in energy storage.Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT: FRC RO70200003025/2102, FSR-ST.2020/005Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [FSR-ST.2020/005, FRC RO70200003025/2102
Social media integration: An opportunity for SMEs sustainability
Get PDFThe changing trend in the circular economy has pushed most firms to be competitive in their business activities using emerging technology. SMEs in recent times are increasingly leveraging technologies such as social media to enhance their interactions with their customers, increase their reach and become competitive. Despite this, SMEs in the manufacturing sector in developing economies are often underexplored in literature in their resolve to leverage social media to improve their performance and sustainability. This research explores the integration of social media in SME manufacturing firms' activities toward their performance and sustainability in developing countries. Drawing on relevant literature and the social media engagement theory, we employed a questionnaire survey to collect data from 417 managers/staff of SME manufacturing firms in Ghana, using PLS-SEM techniques for the analysis. Research findings revealed that social media integration proved a direct positive correlation with SME manufacturing firms' performance. Additionally, it was revealed that social media utilization has a positive and significant effect on SME manufacturing firms' performance. The findings further show that social media usage assists SME firms' performance and fosters their sustainability. It is concluded that SMEs should incorporate social media marketing strategies for firms'-customer relationships and internal and external collaboration. By implication, this study offers practitioners and researchers knowledge regarding social media integration among SMEs in emerging economies.Tomas Bata University in Zlin, TBU: IGA/FaME/2021/005Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FaME/2021/005
Securing information systems using fractal geometry
No full textThis article deals with the use of the principles of fractal geometry applicable in the field of cryptographic security of communication within information systems. The theory of the proposed solution is based on the field of iterative fractals created using the TEA (Time Escape Algorithm) algorithm. The introductory part deals with the issue of choosing a suitable category of fractals for the purpose of securing information systems. The next part deals with the issue of generation, analysis of fractal structures, which is a prerequisite for the implementation of the proposed encryption process. The outputs from the performed fractal analysis are also used for the decryption process. The methodology of testing the proposed solution against cryptanalytic methods is described here. In the final part, the individual elements of the proposed process were implemented using a programmed interface in C #. It continues by testing the resistance of the given encryption method to cryptanalytic methods. Statistical methods, analytical methods, and brute force attacks were used to investigate resilience. The acquired knowledge proved the usability of the proposed solution for the selected area of its use.aim of this research is to design a suitable design for a diagnosticdevice that will periodically monitor and record selected quantities in the device. The diagnostic equipment must be as flexible as possible, as the design will be applicable to all output electronic equipment of this project. This means that the diagnostic design can be applied to all control units, add-on modules or turnstile controllers. Each checked element contains different quantities that are valid for correct diagnostics. Therefore, there is a desire for a uniform design that can be customized based on the device. The main benefit is finding a way to secure data against unwanted retrieval of its content. The involvement of the branch of fractal geometry in the field of information security opens up new possibilities, given the different conception of fractals, in contrast to the objects of classical Euclidean or other geometry. The proposed system works with complex fractal structures, which can be described by relatively trivial equations, which allows using this system with high speed both for encoding the message and for its retrospective reconstruction. This fact opens the way to the use of the proposed system for information security even in devices with limited computing capacity. The system emphasizes resistance to cryptanalytic methods, such as brute force attack, statistical methods, or analytical methods.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA / FAI / 2022/00
Applicability of flours from pigmented and glutinous rice in gluten-free bread baking
Get PDFThe flours from pigmented and glutinous rice have a great potential to increase the nutritional quality of gluten-free breads. The characteristics of whole-meal fine flours, slurries, doughs, and breads prepared from black, red, and white glutinous rice were, therefore, compared with commercially used refined fine and semi-coarse white rice flours. The pasting properties of different flours were strongly influenced by the type of rice they were made from. Slurries with red and glutinous flours exhibited a shift to a lower pasting temperature T0, lower values of ηPeak and ηFinal, as well as higher values of the breakdown and setback region than the slurries with refined flours. The slurry with black flour exhibited high values of viscosity η0 and breakdown, together with low values of ηFinal, setback region and total setback. Bread characteristics were strongly correlated with the pasting properties. The presence of bran particles did not negatively impact loaf volume, crumb hardness, springiness, and chewiness. Some defects were observed in glutinous and red rice bread. Fine flour exhibited better baking performance than semi-coarse flour. Glutinous flour has the potential to become an ingredient in gluten-free baking. The applicability of various black and red rice flours may be limited by the flavor and the taste
Adoption of sustainable practices by Asian hotels: Gaps in academia
Get PDFPurpose: An extant literature review of hospitality manpower performance reveals the scarcity of green skills among young graduates of hospitality management in the Asian context. Studies signal the discrepancy between knowledge imbibed and skills acquired. The current study is a call to action to identify the barriers to green training at the academic level.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a qualitative investigation by senior academics from Asian countries. Thematic analysis is the primary method deployed.
Findings: Four major themes emerged from the analytical exercise. They include lack of resources, policies and regulations, an overburdened curriculum and awareness. Interestingly, the themes are in tandem with the Tourism Education Futures Institute (TEFI) value framework for nurturing sustainability practices in the hospitality industry through systematic programming of hotel management education.
Practical implications: In order to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030 (Goal 4) of ensuring lifelong strategic education to foster sustainability, the green skill–knowledge gap must be bridged at the academic level. The current paper sheds light on how the synergy between industry and academia can address this knowledge–skill gap and develop sustainable capacities in the long run.
Originality/value: This study used a qualitative dataset, and the findings contribute to the sustainability literature. Further studies can be undertaken using big data in varied settings.OP RDE project junior grants of TBU in Zlin [CZ.02.2.69/0.0/19_073/0016941
The role of a forensic expert in the field of self-defense under current legislation and beyond
Get PDFA forensic expert in the field of self-defense is a specialist with extensive knowledge in defence methods, close combat, defensive means, or coercive means. The core of the forensic expert’s work in this field is the assessment of the facts of conflict situations in which physical violence between two or more persons has been used. The role of a forensic expert is to answer questions related to the parties’ roles in the conflict, factors that influenced the conduct of the fight, the course of the fight and the possibility of resolving the conflict situation. Self-defense expertise is sometimes associated or confused with martial arts or combat sports expertise. This judgment is based on the assumption that most forensic experts in the field of self-defense also have experience or expertise in martial arts and combat sports. Such knowledge is an advantage for the profession of forensic expert in the field of self-defense, similar to knowledge in the field of weapons and ammunition, but it is not the same area as expertise in the field of self-defense or a condition for performing this profession. The new Act No. 254/2019 Coll., on forensic experts, expert offices and expert institutes, faces professional criticism in several areas (expert duties, sanctions, division of specializations, etc.) and is likely to lead to pressure for further amendments. The article deals with these changes and the perspective in the coming years with the expert opinion of current forensic experts in the field of self-defense on the appropriate inclusion of this specialization in the future categorization of specializations. Copyright 2023 by the author(s)
Svarbūs mvį tvarumo veiksniai V4 šalyse
No full textThe aim of the paper was to define, quantify and compare the significant attributes of sustainability of SMEs in V4 countries. Within the empirical research, which analysed a sample of 1.398 respondents and took place in V4 countries, we examined the significant attributes of sustainability of SMEs that had been defined by a statement and the SMEs had taken their attitude to them. The validity of statistical hypotheses was proved by chi-square and Z-score. The outcomes of the research confirmed that SMEs quite intensely perceive the social significance of permanently sustainable business activities in this region. Not only do SMEs in V4 countries understand the concept of permanently sustainable growth in business activities, but they also intensely demonstrate their positive attitude to prefer more than the economic interests of their own companies, they feel the need to positively influence the social system and the environment as well. The importance of the impacts of business activities on the environment was confirmed by more than 80% of SMEs in V4 countries. SMEs had a positive perception of the permanent sustainability of their own companies with regard to a difficult period the research took place in (the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, tense international relationships, and high inflation). The average degree of business optimism measured by the ST5 statement was at the level of 80% in V4 countries, which may be valuated as a positive economic phenomenon. An interesting finding is the fact that the highest degree of positive perceiving the significant determinants of permanently sustainable growth in business activities was clearly shown by Hungarian SMEs, on the contrary, the lowest degree of it was shown by Czech SMEs.[NFP313011BWN6
Regional aspects of financial development and renewable energy: A cross-sectional study in 214 countries
Get PDFRenewable energy is one of the most promising technologies for developing sustainable energy systems. This paper presents empirical evidence on the finance-green energy nexus. We use an extensive database on financial development (depth, access, efficiency, stability) from 1960 to 2017 for 214 countries, providing the first, to our knowledge, comprehensive empirical investigation on all four dimensions. We show macroeconomic and energy development conditions (public/social awareness and willingness, policy and legal framework, fossil fuels orientation, energy sector competition) are crucial to leverage financing and improve financing conditions for renewable energy entrepreneurs. Our empirical findings show that the financial system in East Asia and the Pacific is a significant constraint for investments in sustainable technologies. The cost of capital and debt, as well as the cost of equity and assets, for green investors, is commonly 30% higher than for non-green investors. Our findings support the crowding-in effect for South Asia. Here we supply empirical knowledge on the policymakers’ and investors (governments, institutions, markets) goals, policies, and instruments targeting green financing and sustainable development