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Financial innovation and financial inclusion in European countries: How do they interact?
No full textThe most challenging moments in economic history necessitated adaptability to new realities and foreshadowed innovative reactions from economic agents. The recent global health crisis compelled all the stakeholders to find viable solutions to prevent the economic recovery from stalling. As finance serves as the fuel that keeps the economic engine running, exploring the factors affecting financial innovation is pivotal. Europe’s digital transition strategy provides a vibrant approach to bolstering the digital economy and financial landscape. This study evaluates the link between financial inclusion and financial innovation in selected European countries moderated by digital technology. Moreover, subsequent factors related to socio-economic development, like the standard of living, education, urbanization, and globalization, are studied to assess their impact on financial innovation. The study used new-generation panel data techniques to analyze the selected European countries from 2000 to 2020. Durbin Hausman’s cointegration test shows a long-run relationship. Our findings from fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) tests highlighted an inverse relationship between financial inclusion and financial innovation. Thus, expanding the inclusion of people in the financial ecosystem will not increase the usage of innovative financial tools. However, it will only encourage access to essential financial services and products, considering the high levels of financial inclusion in Europe and the newcomers’ financial and digital literacy levels. Additionally, the preference for using cash in European countries, which is still at high levels, also explains our results regarding the indirect connection between financial inclusion and financial innovation diffusion. Moreover, a strong direct correlation is observed between education, standard of living, and urbanization. Konya causality analysis results displayed a causal relationship between independent variables and financial innovation in different countries
Impact of renewable energy sources on greenhouse gas emissions reduction in Germany, Sweden and Poland
No full textTransitioning to renewable energy sources is highly important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we look at Germany, Sweden and Poland. These three countries have different energy policies and commitments. While there has been significant progress in adopting renewable energy across Europe, the effectiveness of these policies and their impact on reducing emissions is very different. Therefore, this research aims to assess how renewable energy affects GHG emissions in these countries and to provide insights into what strategies work best. Using a compiled dataset from 2003 to 2023, the study employs correlation, regression and time-series analysis. It is done to understand the relationship between renewable energy use and GHG emissions. In Germany and Sweden, there are strong negative correlations (−0.92 and −0.90), which indicate that increased renewable energy use significantly reduces emissions. However, in Poland, the correlation was much weaker (−0.23) and it suggested that the impact of renewables has been less effective. Digging deeper, our regression analysis highlighted that wind energy is particularly effective in reducing emissions, especially in Sweden. In Poland, while other renewable sources show promise, their impact is not yet statistically significant. Time-series forecasts suggested that Germany and Sweden will continue to see reductions in emissions, Poland will make gradual progress. These results show the need for continued policy support and best practice innovations in renewable energy
Hodnota regionálních značek produktů v České republice
No full textDisertační práce se zabývá hodnotou regionálních značek produktů v České republice z pohledu spotřebitelů a výrobců. Hlavním cílem této disertační práce je vytvořit a empiricky ověřit nový model hodnoty značek produktů, který bude aplikovatelný na oblast regionálních značek z pohledu spotřebitelů v podmínkách České republiky. Výzkum Vychází z teoretických modelů hodnoty značky (Aaker, 2003; Keller, 2007, Yoo et al., 2000; a Shariq, 2019) s originálními atributy identifikovanými prostřednictvím literární rešerše a předvýzkumů realizovaných mezi spotřebiteli a držiteli regionálních značek. Použit byl vícestupňový výzkumný design zahrnující kvalitativní rozhovory a kvantitativní dotazníkové šetření, přičemž navržený model byl ověřen pomocí strukturálního modelování rovnic (SEM). Výsledky odhalily klíčové faktory ovlivňující vnímanou hodnotu regionálních značek a poskytly návrhy pro zefektivnění marketingové komunikace a rozvoj značkových systémů. Práce přináší přínosy jak pro akademickou sféru, tak pro praxi - podnikatele, správce značek i veřejné instituce.This dissertation examines the value of regional product brands in the Czech Republic from the perspective of both consumers and producers. The main objective is to develop and empirically validate a new brand value model applicable to regional brands as perceived by consumers in the Czech context. The research combines established theoretical brand value models (Aaker, 2003; Keller, 2007, Yoo et al., 2000; Shariq, 2019) with original attributes identified through a literature review and preliminary studies conducted among consumers and holders of regional product brands. A multi-phase research design was employed, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed key factors influencing the perceived value of regional brands and offered recommendations for more effective marketing communication and the development of branding systems. The dissertation contributes to academia and practice, including entrepreneurs, brand managers, and public institutions supporting regional development
Understanding university students’ adoption of ChatGPT: A TAM-based exploration of key factors
No full textThe rapid rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has spurred growing interest in understanding the factors that influence their adoption, especially in educational settings. This study focuses on identifying the key elements that shape university students’ intentions to use ChatGPT, using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical foundation. The research integrates core constructs such as perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived risk, trust, and technostress to examine their influence on the intention to use (IU) ChatGPT. Survey data from Indian university students were analyzed using the Smart PLS structural equation modeling technique. The findings reveal significant relationships between PEU, PU, and IU. Specifically, PEU emerged as a strong determinant of both PU and IU, underlining the importance of a user-friendly, intuitive interface in promoting ChatGPT adoption. Additionally, perceived risk was found to negatively impact IU, suggesting that addressing concerns related to privacy and misinformation is crucial for fostering trust and encouraging use. Although technostress had a smaller effect, it still played a notable role, indicating that the stress associated with using new technologies needs to be managed effectively through support mechanisms. Interestingly, trust did not significantly affect IU, challenging assumptions about its role in AI-driven technology adoption. This raises important questions about the specific factors that contribute to trust in such tools. The study’s findings reaffirm the relevance of TAM constructs in understanding ChatGPT adoption while also highlighting the importance of emotional and cognitive factors, such as perceived risk and stress. These findings contribute to the growing academic discussion surrounding AI chatbot adoption and offer actionable insights for AI developers, educators, and policymakers. This research highlights the importance of addressing both technical and emotional factors to ensure broader acceptance and effective use of AI technologies like ChatGPT in learning environments
Řízení zásob výrobků se sporadickou poptávkou pomocí neparametrických metod
No full textDisertační práce se zabývá problematikou efektivního řízení zásob produktů se sporadickou poptávkou, které představuje jistou výzvu v oblasti logistiky a řízení dodavatelského řetězce. Tradiční parametrické metody řízení zásob, jako např. metoda EOQ nebo exponenciální vyhlazování, často selhávají při predikci a optimalizaci zásob se sporadickou poptávkou, jež se vyznačuje dlouhými obdobími s nulovou poptávkou a zároveň vysokou variabilitou objemů. Autorka práce si klade za cíl navrhnout simulační model řízení zásob založený na neparametrickém přístupu, konkrétně na simulaci pohybu zásob, který bude schopen flexibilně reagovat na proměnlivé vzorce poptávky a současně zohlední praktické podmínky použití v reálném provozu podniku. Navržený model pomocí simulačních experimentů hledá optimální hodnoty bodu objednání a objednávaného množství bez znalosti statistického rozdělení poptávky. V rámci výzkumu je model dále rozšířen o metody snižující výpočetní náročnost - lokální vyhledávání, diskretizaci řídicích proměnných a agregaci poptávkových dat. Model je otestován nejen na rozsáhlých souborech uměle generovaných časových řad, ale také na reálných datech poskytnutých podniky z oblasti automotive a e-commerce. Výsledky experimentů ukazují, že navržený model umožňuje nalézt efektivní kompromis mezi minimalizací nákladů na držení a objednávání zásob a požadovanou úrovní zákaznických služeb. Práce tak přináší nejen teoretický přínos v oblasti aplikace neparametrických metod na řízení zásob, ale především praktický nástroj použitelný v podnicích s nepravidelnou poptávkou, zejména v oblasti náhradních dílů, údržby či logistických služeb.The dissertation examines the issue of effective inventory management of products with sporadic demand, which raises a certain challenge in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Traditional parametric inventory management methods, such as the EOQ method or exponential smoothing, often fail to predict and optimize inventory with sporadic demand, which is characterized by long periods of zero demand and high volume variability. The author of the thesis aims to propose a simulation model for inventory management based on a non-parametric approach, specifically on the simulation of inventory movement, which will be able to respond flexibly to changing demand patterns while taking into account the practical conditions of use in real business operations. The proposed model uses simulation experiments to find the optimal values for the reorder point and order quantity without knowledge of the statistical distribution of demand. As part of the research, the model is further extended with methods that improve computational efficiencylocal search, discretization of control variables, and aggregation of demand data. The model is tested not only on large sets of artificially generated time series, but also on real data provided by companies in the automotive and e-commerce sectors. The results of the experiments show that the proposed model allows an effective compromise to be found between minimizing inventory holding and ordering costs and the required level of customer service. The work thus brings not only theoretical benefits in the field of applying non-parametric methods to inventory management, but above all a practical tool that can be used in companies with irregular demand, especially in the field of spare parts, maintenance, or logistics services
Výzkum konstrukčních a technologických parametrů ohýbání trubek z PFA materiálu
No full textTato diplomová práce se zabývá vývojem a optimalizací technologie ohýbání trubek z
materiálu PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkan) bez použití vnitřního trnu. Cílem bylo navrhnout
proces, který umožní přesné a opakovatelné ohýbání trubek pro použití ve vysoce čistých
provozech, zejména v polovodičovém průmyslu. V rámci práce bylo navrženo a sestaveno
experimentální zařízení pro ohýbání navíjením na tvarový segment, přičemž byly
systematicky testovány různé technologické parametry: teplota ohřevu, vzdálenost trysky,
rychlost pohybu ramene a způsob chlazení. Výsledky ukázaly, že klíčovým faktorem pro
dosažení kvalitního ohybu je rovnoměrný a intenzivní ohřev v kombinaci s efektivním
chlazením pomocí vírové trubice. Byly identifikovány optimální parametry, které
minimalizují zpětné odpružení a zajišťují dlouhodobou tvarovou stabilitu.This thesis focuses on the development and optimization of a technology for bending pipes
made of PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane) without the use of an internal mandrel. The objective
was to design a process that enables accurate and repeatable tube bending for use in highpurity
applications, particularly in the semiconductor industry. As part of the work, an
experimental device for bending by winding onto a shaped segment was designed and
constructed. Various technological parameters were systematically tested, including heating
temperature, nozzle distance, arm movement speed, and cooling method. The results
demonstrated that uniform and intense heating, combined with efficient cooling using a
vortex tube, is the key factor in achieving high-quality bends. Optimal parameters were
identified to minimize springback and ensure long-term dimensional stability
Výroční zpráva 2024
Full text linkPodklady připravily: Naďa Haščáková, Jaroslava Samešová, Lenka Masaříková, Bc. Kateřina Grulišová,
Monika Remešov
THE RESISTANCE OF FIBER-REINFORCED 3D PRINTED STABPROOF ARMOR ELEMENTS: MATERIALS, GEOMETRIES, DIMENSION AND ORIENTATION
Full text linkThe majorities of stab protective armors limit several comfort parameters such as locomotion, movement, respiration, flexibility and weight which determine the efficient use by officers. Lightweight and effective protection with the necessary comfort parameters such as flexibility, respiration and free locomotion through the development of three dimensional printed (3DP) scales based on natural armors from fibers using continuous filament fabrication is the main objective of this research. In this study, stab protective armor scale-like elements with different materials, shapes, sizes and portions of a part investigated against stabbing force. Onyx, Aramid, carbon and different ratio Onyx/Kevlar by inserting fiber at different fiber filling angles (0/45/90/135)N were used in this investigation. The specimens were tested according to VPAM KDIW 2004. The result revealed that the scales with Onyx, Kevlar/Onyx and Kevlar fiber-reinforced protective scales failed while the carbon fiber resists the puncturing energy level K1 (25 J) with the penetration depth less than the maximum allowable penetration depth of the knife through the protectors. The large size protective elements and rectangular geometries withstand the impact energy relative to triangular geometries. The result revealed that the material type, its alignment, size and shapes of protection elements and portions of the scales where the weight dropped significantly influence the resistance against the impact energy to puncture with the intended energy level and sharp tipped knife
HYBRID 3D WOVEN STRUCTURES FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT UNDER IMPACT LOADING PART 1: DEVELOPMENT OF A BI-AXIAL CORE DESIGN
Full text linkSteel reinforced concrete (RC) is extensively used in the construction industry due to its high strength, durability, and versatility. Nonetheless, its resilience under dynamic loads, such as impact, remains particularly low. The research training group DFG GRK 2250 aims to significantly improve the impact energy absorption of existing infrastructures by applying thin layers of an innovative strengthening material composed of a strain hardening cementitious composite and a novel textile reinforcement. This paper investigated methods for manufacturing 3D hybrid woven fabrics with a core incorporating spatial elements in both the weft and warp directions, based on a bi-axial core design. The challenges associated with shaping spatial elements before and during the weaving process were discussed, with the latter proving to be the optimal choice when combined with carbon fiber towpregs. After developing the structural design, selecting the materials for each element, and establishing the fabric binding pattern, a demonstrator was successfully produced using a modified rapier weaving machine