Influence of health-conscious consumer behaviour on consumer ethnocentrism during the COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of the article is fourfold: (1) to identify the level of health consciousness during the pandemic in Slovakia and Croatia, and to point out the possible influence of selected demographic factors on this rate, (2) to identify the degree of consumer ethnocentrism during the pandemic in Slovakia and Croatia and to examine the impact of selected demographic factors to this extent, (3) to examine the link between health consciousness as a factor affecting consumer ethnocentrism and (4) to identify differences in the studied variables of Croatia and Slovakia. The article is supported by a primary survey based on 459 respondents in Croatia and 429 respondents in Slovakia. Whilst referring to our aims, we formulated research questions and hypotheses, in order to answer and verify them we chose ANOVA test and regression analysis. The results point to a high level of respondents’ health awareness and an average (in the case of Slovakia) and aboveaverage (in the case of Croatia) rate of consumer ethnocentrism. The results indicate a low relationship between the variables examined. Results can be applied both in theory and in practice in various fields

Potential of twin wire arc spraying technology for application in power industry

Technologie žárového nástřiku elektrickým obloukem (TWAS – Twin Wire Arc Spray) umožňuje nanášet povlaky o tloušťkách přesahujících 1 mm, z širokého spektra materiálů, s vysokou produktivitou a možností aplikace i mimo specializovaná pracoviště. Tyto výhody, které v některých případech favorizují technologii TWAS oproti sofistikovanějším technologiím nástřiku jsou však vyváženy nižší kvalitou mikrostruktury naneseného povlaku. Analýza možností optimalizace depozičních parametrů nástřiku, kombinovaná s vhodným návrhem materiálu povlaku či více materiálů ve formě multivrstvy však poukazuje na potenciál dosažení funkčních vlastností povlaku naneseného technologií TWAS na dostatečnou úroveň, srovnatelnou s chováním povlaků nanesených konkurenčními technologiemi. Příspěvek představuje vybrané povlaky TWAS určené pro použití při kombinovaném namáhání, jejich základní mikrostrukturní, mechanické a funkční vlastnosti a demonstruje příklady jejich uplatnění v energetickém průmyslu.Prezentované výsledky byly získány v průběhu řešení projektu TAČR Národní Centrum pro energetiku č. TN01000007.The Twin Wire Arc Spray (TWAS) technology allows the application of coatings with thicknesses exceeding 1 mm, from a wide range of materials, with high productivity and the possibility of application even outside specialized workplaces. However, these advantages, which, in some cases, favor TWAS technology over more sophisticated spray technologies, are compensated by the lower quality of the microstructure of the TWAS applied coating. However, the analysis of the possibilities of optimizing the deposition parameters, combined with a suitable design of the coating material or more materials in the form of a multilayer points to the potential to achieve the functional properties of the coating applied by TWAS to a sufficient level, comparable to the behavior of coatings applied by competing technologies. The paper presents selected TWAS coatings intended for use in combined stress, their basic microstructural, mechanical and functional properties, and demonstrate their use in power industry

The Gymnast

Figurální socha gymnastky v životní velikosti. Kombinace materiálů, laminátu a červené bavlněné textilie. Rozměry 103x 205x 50 cm, 2012.Figural sculpture of a life-sized gymnast . The combination of materials, fiberglass and red cotton fabric. Dimensions 103x 205x 50 cm , 2012.

Dendrologická skladba lesů oblasti Diriamba, Nikaragua

In this bachelor thesis I was dealing with a brief atlas of woody plants at the farm of La Reserva. The aim was to compile and process a transparent atlas of the trees on the farm, which includes their description, distribution and use. Thirty species have been identified and a detailed photo-documentation of bark, leaves, overall appearance and the abundance has been processed for each wood. I processed the woody plants into a general table, which gives the name of woody plants, use and abundance. According to a qualified estimation, I have divided the number of trees into three categories - rare, common and abundant. Based on this knowledge, the importance of species, their potential use and proposed farm management were assessed

Nexus between corporate governance and earnings management in family and non-family firms

This study explores the relationship between internal corporate governance mechanism and accruals and real earnings management (EM), following Pakistan’s 2012 amended Code of Corporate Governance. It also examines the moderating role of family firms on the relationship among corporate governance mechanisms and accruals and real earnings management. For this purpose, we used a sample of 172 firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for 2012–2019. The dependent variables were estimated by utilizing the generalized method of moments (GMM), fixed random effects and moderation analysis were estimated through Stata. Hausman specification test was used to choose among random and fixed effects. Results report that board size showed a significant positive impact on abnormal discretionary expenses and overall real earnings management. Board independence led to a substantial and negative impact with accruals EM. Managers of familyowned firms are also opportunistically altering the reported earnings. Results illustrate to the users of financial statements that the reliability of financial information depends on the effectiveness of corporate governance. Also, highlight the efficiency of monitory mechanisms and suggest that board independence is one of the practical approaches for an emerging market to restrain the EM practices. Findings are helpful for regulators, policymakers, and investors to regulate and make policies to improve the financial reporting quality in Pakistan. As per the authors’ knowledge, this study adds the novelty by focusing on two critical internal monitoring mechanisms (board independence and board size) in mitigating earnings management, following the 2012 amended Code of Corporate Governance in Pakistan. It will add uniqueness by studying the moderating role of family ownership, as the literature is scarce. The findings of this study highlighted the impact of the internal monitoring mechanisms on earning management practices in Pakistan

Potential of twin wire arc spraying technology for application in power industry

Technologie žárového nástřiku elektrickým obloukem (TWAS – Twin Wire Arc Spray) umožňuje nanášet povlaky o tloušťkách přesahujících 1 mm, z širokého spektra materiálů, s vysokou produktivitou a možností aplikace i mimo specializovaná pracoviště. Tyto výhody, které v některých případech favorizují technologii TWAS oproti sofistikovanějším technologiím nástřiku jsou však vyváženy nižší kvalitou mikrostruktury naneseného povlaku. Analýza možností optimalizace depozičních parametrů nástřiku, kombinovaná s vhodným návrhem materiálu povlaku či více materiálů ve formě multivrstvy však poukazuje na potenciál dosažení funkčních vlastností povlaku naneseného technologií TWAS na dostatečnou úroveň, srovnatelnou s chováním povlaků nanesených konkurenčními technologiemi. Příspěvek představuje vybrané povlaky TWAS určené pro použití při kombinovaném namáhání, jejich základní mikrostrukturní, mechanické a funkční vlastnosti a demonstruje příklady jejich uplatnění v energetickém průmyslu.Prezentované výsledky byly získány v průběhu řešení projektu TAČR Národní Centrum pro energetiku č. TN01000007.The Twin Wire Arc Spray (TWAS) technology allows the application of coatings with thicknesses exceeding 1 mm, from a wide range of materials, with high productivity and the possibility of application even outside specialized workplaces. However, these advantages, which, in some cases, favor TWAS technology over more sophisticated spray technologies, are compensated by the lower quality of the microstructure of the TWAS applied coating. However, the analysis of the possibilities of optimizing the deposition parameters, combined with a suitable design of the coating material or more materials in the form of a multilayer points to the potential to achieve the functional properties of the coating applied by TWAS to a sufficient level, comparable to the behavior of coatings applied by competing technologies. The paper presents selected TWAS coatings intended for use in combined stress, their basic microstructural, mechanical and functional properties, and demonstrate their use in power industry

Extract of Lillium candidum L. Can Modulate the Genotoxicity of the Antibiotic Zeocin

Lilium candidum L. extract (LE) is well known in folk medicine for the treatment of burns, ulcers, inflammations and for healing wounds. This work aims to clarify whether the genotoxic potential of the radiomimetic antibiotic zeocin (Zeo) could be modulated by LE. Our results indicate that LE exerts no cytotoxic, DNA-damaging and clastogenic activity in in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Pisum sativum L. and Hordeum vulgare L. test systems over a broad concentration range. Weak but statistically significant clastogenic effects due to the induction of micronuclei and chromosome aberrations have been observed in H. vulgare L. after treatment with 200 and 300 μg/mL LE. To discriminate protective from adverse action of LE different experimental designs have been used. Our results demonstrate that the treatment with mixtures of LE and Zeo causes an increase in the level of DNA damage, micronuclei and “metaphases with chromatid aberrations” (MwA). Clear evidence has been also obtained indicating that pretreatment with LE given 4 h before the treatment with Zeo accelerates the rejoining kinetics of Zeo-induced DNA damage in P. sativum L. and C. reinhardtii, and can decrease clastogenic effect of Zeo measured as frequencies of micronuclei and MwA in H. vulgare L. Here, we show for the first time that LE can modulate the genotoxic effects of zeocin. The molecular mode of action strongly depends on the experimental design and varies from synergistic to protective effect (adaptive response–AR). Our results also revealed that LE-induced AR to zeocin involves up-regulation of DSB rejoining in C. reinhardtii and P. sativum L. cells