Showing papers in "Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis in 2013"
TL;DR: Some species were important in faunistic terms, as some critically endangered species were recorded, and the Plectochorus iwatensis species was recorded for the fi rst time in the Czech Republic.
Abstract: SŤASTNA PAVLA, PSOTA VACLAV: Arthropod diversity (Arthropoda) on abandoned apple trees. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2013, LXI, No. 5, pp. 1405–1422 In 2010 and 2011, the occurrence of arthropods on apple trees without management was monitored near the village of Velke Bilovice, South Moravia, in two selected localities (an abandoned apple tree orchard and a road apple tree alley). Arthropods in tree tops were killed using deltamehtrin applied with a fogger (Puls Fog). Each collection always contained the material from 5 trees in each site. In 2010, three collections were performed (28/4, 20/5, and 9/7), two in 2011 (11/5 and 23/6). Representatives of eleven orders were captured. Of all the orders trapped, Coleoptera was represented most frequently, the Hymenoptera and Diptera followed. In the alley, individuals of the Coleoptera (34%) were caught most frequently, the Hymenoptera (19.6%) and Hemiptera (17.4%) followed. In the orchard, the Coleoptera (41.4%) was represented most frequently, followed by the Hymenoptera (21.9%) and Diptera (15%). In both the environments, species with negative economic impact were recorded (e.g. Anthonomus pyri, Tatianaerhynchites aequatus, Cydia pomonella, Rhynchites bacchus). However, a greater number of pest antagonists were also found (Scambus pomorum, Coccinella septempunctata, Episyrphus balteatus, Pentatoma rufi pes, Orius spp.). Some species were important in faunistic terms, as some critically endangered species were recorded (e.g. Dipoena erythropus, Cryptocephalus schaeff eri), and the Plectochorus iwatensis species was recorded for the fi rst time in the Czech Republic. Arthropoda, Malus domestica, fogger, pest, natural enemies, diversity
140 citations
TL;DR: Each species appears to be suitable for entomophagy for a diff erent reason and generally speaking, AM, TM and GA were best accepted considering the sensory aspect, nutritional values are interesting especially in BM and GM and TM wins with simplicity of its breeding.
Abstract: Since 2002, when the first lecture on entomophagy took place at Mendel University in Brno, till today, participants of these educational lectures were asked to fill questionnaires in order to evaluate interest in entomophagy in Czech Republic and pick suitable species. Analyses of nutritional value of selected species were also performed during this time. The questionnaire was divided into several parts - suitable species, sensory properties, difficulty of breeding and processing and respondents own attitude to the consumption of insect species. For the purpose of this study the questionnaire was evaluated using the semantic differential, so to create a comprehensive picture of each insect species. Based on evaluation of more than 5,000 questionnaires, certain developmental stages of seven species of insect were selected for further evaluation: Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae, Zophobas morio (ZM) larvae, Gryllus assimillis (GA) nymphs, Locusta migratoria (LM) nymphs, Galleria mellonella (GM) larvae, Bombyx mori (BM) Pupa, Apis mellifera (AM) bee brood, while cockroaches were completely excluded for use in entomophagy. Although they are easy to breed and are available all year-round, consumers showed relatively great disgust. For all of these species, basic nutritional values were analysed, as well as content of amino acids and fattty acids. All parameters were statistically evaluated using ANOVA-1. Each species appears to be suitable for entomophagy for a different reason. Generally speaking, AM, TM and GA were best accepted considering the sensory aspect, nutritional values are interesting especially in BM and GM and TM wins with simplicity of its breeding.
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, aspects of intelligent packaging concepts, which provide information on the quality and safety of food products packed by the time-temperature indicators are focused on.
Abstract: Food packaging is an important part of food production. Temperature is a one of crucial factor which affecting the quality and safety of food products during distribution, transport and storage. The one way of control of food quality and safety is the application of new packaging systems, which also include the intelligent or smart packaging. Intelligent packaging is a packaging system using different indicators for monitoring the conditions of production, but in particular the conditions during transport and storage. Among these indicators include the time-temperature indicators to monitor changes in temperature, which is exposed the product and to inform consumers about the potential risks associated with consumption of these products. Time temperature indicators are devices that show an irreversible change in a physical characteristic, usually color or shape, in response to temperature history. Some are designed to monitor the evolution of temperature with time along the distribution chain and others are designed to be used in the consumer packages.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focused on the ability of larvae Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) to consume different types of biodegradable waste.
Abstract: This report is focused on the ability of larvae Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) to consume different types of biodegradable waste. Waste was selected in groups 02, 19 a 20 according to the Waste Catalogue (in Decree No. 381/2001 Coll., Czech Republic). Experiments were carried out in 14 BioPods Plus that are especially designed for insect Hermetia illucens (HI) in order to consume waste. The experiments were measured in laboratory conditions (relatively constant temperature and humidity).The highest weight reduction of waste material (by 66.53% of the original mass) was reached in waste plant tissues. Weight reduction for food scraps - highly problematic kind of waste - was calculated by 46.04%. Worst results were achieved with compost tea from garden waste - larvae reduced the initial amount of waste by only 8.47%. Firstly grubs finished their life cycle after 35 days in catering waste, together with waste plant tissues, quality culled biodegradable municipal waste and poorly culled biodegradable municipal waste. The experiment was finished in 35 days.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impact of firm specific factors on company financial performance of 974 firms in the Czech Republic over the period 2005 to 2008, using data in the Albertina database.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of internal factors in generating financial performance of firms in the Czech Republic. The paper examines the impact of firm specific factors on company financial performance of 974 firms in the Czech Republic over the period 2005 to 2008, using data in the Albertina database. Pooled and panel cross-sectional time series techniques are used for the data analysis. Return on Assets (ROA) is the dependent variable of the model and eight firm specific factors are introduced as the explanatory variables. Using Return on Assets as the dependent variable, it is established that the firm size, sales growth and capital turnover are having significant positive impact on financial performance of firms. At the same time, debt ratio and inventory reflect significant negative impact on financial performance of firms. Overall explanatory powers of the two models are low and further research is necessary to increase the statistical power of the model. The results from the present study may be very encouraging and useful for managers as well as investors to plan investment and operational activities to achieve profitability objectives more efficiently and effectively. The findings have important managerial implications.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze specialization and the competitive performance of the Russian agricultural sector and determine whether or not patterns of comparative advantage for Russia have undergone significant changes over the period 1998-2010.
Abstract: This paper studies the issue of revealed comparative advantage in the case of the Russian foreign trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs. The objective of this study is to analyze specialization and the competitive performance of the Russian agricultural sector and to determine whether or not patterns of comparative advantage for Russia have undergone significant changes over the period 1998-2010.The analysis is performed using several measures of revealed comparative advantage: classical Balassa's index, Vollrath's index and Lafay index.Balassa's index identified a group of products, which has relatively stable comparative advantage during the whole period. Among those products we can count cereals (wheat, barley, etc.), their by-products (for example bran of wheat) and products of their processing (cereals preparations, etc.), as well as oilseeds, vegetable oils and chocolate.Vollrath's index showed that the number of products that have revealed competitive advantage was steadily growing during the period.Lafay index, used in the analysis by regions, showed that Russia has comparative advantages in relation to CIS countries and Asian countries due to its geographical location and good trade relations.Primary products have the comparative advantage in relation to EU and Asian countries. In relation to the Commonwealth of Independent States and Americas on the contrary the processed products have comparative advantages, while the most of primary products have comparative disadvantage.In relation to the whole world, analysis has also revealed a shift of comparative advantage from by-products (e.g. bran of wheat, sunflower cake etc.) in 1998-2001 to primary products in 2002-2010 (wheat, barley, whole cow milk, sunflower seed etc.).
33 citations
TL;DR: Zdenko et al. as discussed by the authors compared results in the sphere of human resources in organisations operating in Slovak and Czech Republics, and found that 67% organisations in Slovakia and only 43% in the Czech Republic had a human resources management department which realized human resource management functions and personnel strategy.
Abstract: STACHO ZDENKO, URBANCOVA HANA, STACHOVA KATARINA: Organisational arrangement of human resources management in organisations operating in Slovakia and Czech Republic. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2013, LXI, No. 7, pp. 2787–2799 A necessary condition of eff ective functioning of human resources management in an organisation is the creation of adequate organisational conditions including the existence of a human resources management department, its size, composition and responsibility, which are formed following particular conditions of the given organisation. Competitive environment of organisations operating in Slovakia and Czech Republic is growing with the process of world economy globalisation, and it brings the need of fl exibility in management, and therefore we have to get used to changes also in the sphere of human resources management, and learn to cope with new impulses and situations. At present, that predominantly includes spreading eff ects of global fi nancial and economic crisis, infl uencing all spheres of life in Slovakia and in Czech Republic too. Handling this situation presupposes fl exibility in assessment of changes in environment where organisations operate, ability to detect all positive as well as negative impacts and situations, and formulation of measures to enhance their own position sensibly and cautiously. Due to the need of focusing of organisations on comprehensive arrangement of human resources management, in questionnaire researches, we focused on fi nding out whether and to what extent organisations operating in Slovakia (n = 340) and in Czech Republic (n = 109) focus on human resources management arrangement. The objective of the article is to compare results in the sphere of human resources in organisations operating in Slovak and Czech Republics. The results show that 67% organisations in Slovakia and only 43% in the Czech Republic had a human resources management department which realised followed human resources management functions and personnel strategy. human resources management, outsourcing of personnel activities, organisational strategy, functional strategies, human resources management departments, organisations operating in Slovakia
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of several internal determinants on capital structure in different European countries and retrace its tendency taking into consideration the membership of the European Union is analyzed. But the authors focus on the negative and significant influence of profitability, tangibility, growth opportunities, non-debt tax shields and firm's size.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to indicate the influence of several internal determinants on capital structure in different European countries and retrace its tendency taking into consideration the membership of the European Union. Nowadays there are a lot of debates according the future of the European Union. The recent global financial crisis and the following European debt crisis show the significance of the country financial stability and its impact on the private sector. The paper investigates 32 countries of European Union dividing them into three groups as (1) old EU members (15 countries), (2) new EU members (12 countries) and (3) EU candidates (4 candidate countries and 1 acceding country).The managers make their financial decisions according to the source of financing and capital structure based on the macroeconomic conditions and country specifics and obviously on company's advantages and disadvantages, i.e. its internal characteristics. Based on the analysis of previous studies we have chosen several significant internal determinants of capital structure as profitability, tangibility, growth opportunities, non-debt tax shields and firm's size.The findings show that the country's specifics, EU membership and corporate debt structure influence the relation between capital structure and its internal characteristics. The capital structure in all countries has tendency to increase, furthermore the old members rely more on debt then candidates or new members.There is no doubt that the majority of countries support Pecking Order Theory then Trade off Theory regarding investigated relations. In most countries the profitability and size have negative and significant influence on corporate capital structure. At the same time tangibility, growth opportunities and non-debt tax shields split up: selected countries experience positive impact, another part negative, supporting different theories.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the regeneration of agricultural brownfields in the Czech Republic is discussed. But the authors focus on the South Moravian Region and focus on origin and potential location of the regenerated brownfields.
Abstract: The paper deals with the regeneration of agricultural brownfi elds in the Czech Republic. The fi rst part of paper introduces the issue and the most important results of the previous scientifi c researches. The second part describes the goal of paper and methodology of own research activities. The third part brings own analysis of the Czechinvest Agency dataset of the non-regenerated agricultural brownfi elds collected in period 2005 - 2007 updated for the case study area of the South Moravian Region according the dataset of the Regional Development Agency of the South Moravia (2010). The forth part pays attention to origin and potential location of agricultural brownfi elds in the South Moravian Region according the issue is demonstrated by using of the selected indicators showing decrease of agricultural production in this region. The fifth part brings the more detailed analysis of nonregenerated agricultural brownfi elds for the South Moravian Region. The six parts describes the selected examples of the regenerated agricultural brownfi elds. The fi nal part contains discussion of main results and brings some recommendations which could be useful and inspiring for the diff erent groups of stakeholders (e.g. owners, investors, representatives of public administration etc.) who are involved in process of the regeneration of agricultural brownfi elds.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a soil sample was compacted and the optimum moisture content was identified and the soil was tested at the dry side of optimum water content at w = 9 %, 10 % and 11 %.
Abstract: Shear strength of soils is highly affected by moisture conditions (i.e. water content), especially if the soil contains clay materials. Usually the laboratory specimen, which are used to determine shear strength of soil are prepared at water content and dry density same as in the field conditions, without respect to the fact, that the conditions in the future might not remain the same. For the purpose of this study soil specimen were compacted and the optimum moisture content was identified. After compaction soil was tested at the dry side of optimum water content at w = 9 %, 10 % and 11 %. Parameters of shear strength were obtained and used for stability analysis with software GEOSLOPE/W 2012. According to referenced literature, it was expected for the shear strength of the soil to decrease with increasing water content. This hypothesis was not proven for clayey soil from Brno region. Development of values of friction angle and cohesion exhibited anomalous behaviour and such development was found also for values of Factor of safety (FOS) obtained from stability analyses. Results proved the necessity of taking moisture conditions into account, when processing stability analyses, in order to achieve reliable and safe constructions.
25 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to analyze the content of total carotenoids and lycopene in 8 varieties of tomato to reduce the risk of carcinoma diseases and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract: Important component of the tomato are carotenoid dyes, especially lycopene. The importance of lycopene in the diet of people in recent years has grown mainly for its pharmacological effects due to its ability to reduce the risk of carcinoma diseases and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this work was to analyze the content of total carotenoids and lycopene in 8 varieties of tomato and to monitor dynamic changes after their different treatments (heating, drying). The experiment included following tomato varieties: Bambino F1, Darina F1, Diana F1, Denar, Milica F1, Orange F1, Paulina F1, Sejk F1.We found that processing of tomato fruits into juices and dried slices positively affected the presence of carotenoids and lycopene. Processing leads to an increase in the content of carotenoids that can be attributed to better availability of these components in the human body.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors estimate the equilibrium current account position for each of the original 12 euro area countries so that it is possible to assess whether the divergence of intra-euro current account balances could be explained on the basis of economic fundamentals or it just reflects misallocation of resources and thus macroeconomic imbalances.
Abstract: While the current account balance for the euro area as a whole has been in balance, divergences in current account positions among the euro-area members have widened since the introduction of the common currency euro. During the last 13 years Portugal, Greece and Spain have run large and persistent current account deficits, whereas Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Finland or Germany have displayed during the same period large and persistent surpluses. However, there is no unambiguous agreement among economists, whether this divergence of current account positions of the euro-area countries mirrors growing intra-euro-area imbalances (Gros, 2012) or just reflects proper functioning of the European integration process (Schmitz and von Hagen, 2009). Therefore, the aim of this paper is to estimate equilibrium current account position for each of the original 12 euro area countries so that it is possible to assess whether the divergence of intra-euro current account balances could be explained on the basis of economic fundamentals or it just reflects misallocation of resources and thus macroeconomic imbalances. The equilibrium current account balance is estimated using a panel-econometric technique for a sample of 30 industrial countries, which represent euro-area member states and their main business partners, over the period 1993-2011. Economic fundamentals affecting the equilibrium current account position are selected on the basis of the saving-investment balance, the trade balance and the net income balance, to ensure that we take into an account all theoretically important explanatory variables. We find that the main determinants of current account norms in our sample are fiscal balance, a country's net international investment position, oil balance and a country's stage of economic development. The major part of the euro-area countries exhibits current account positions close to their equilibrium levels with the exception of the Netherlands and Finland which have persistently higher surpluses, while Portugal and Greece run larger current account deficits than is their norm.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared specific territorial areas of two different countries - Czech Republic (Northern Bohemia area) and the second one is Zambia (Copperbelt area) based on secondary data as well as on personal experience of visiting both of these areas and companies.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the comparison of corporate social responsibility in mining industry. It compares specific territorial areas of two different countries - one of them country that could be called as semi-periphery or even core country and the second one a periphery country. The first one is Czech Republic (Northern Bohemia area) and the second one is Zambia (Copperbelt area). CSR activities in Copperbelt have played primarily an ameliorative role in the context of significant social disruption and uncertainty in the wake of privatization. Some experts say there are still important gaps between mining companies' CSR activities, on the one hand, and accountability and fairness, on the other. The CSR concept is relatively new in the Czech Republic - but more and more discussed and interesting for many firms. The Czech company "Severoceske doly" was one of the finalists of the national round of the competition "The European Corporate (Social) Responsibility Award" in 2007. The aim of this paper is to find the opportunities the companies working in this industry use, and how the system of CSR is developed. It analysis the areas they concentrate on in their CSR activities and compares it with theoretical concept. The comparison is based on secondary data as well as on personal experience of visiting both of these areas and companies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the survey performed in selected companies with the aim to find answers to the research questions (concerning the rate of perception of Corporate Social Responsibility, the evaluation of using a concept in the company, the importance of engagement in this area and so on) and with the assistance of selected methods for the examination.
Abstract: The article deals with the perception of Corporate Social Responsibility in companies of Eastern Slovakia region in 2009 and 2010. It aims to evaluate the survey performed in selected companies with the aim to find answers to the research questions (concerning the rate of perception of Corporate Social Responsibility, the evaluation of using a concept in the company, the importance of engagement in this area and so on) and with the assistance of selected methods for the examination.Different companies have framed different definition. Our own definition is that Corporate Social Responsibility is about how companies manage the business processes, to produce an overall positive impact on society. Holme said that Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society. Stakeholders are persons, groups or organizations that has direct or indirect stake in companies actions, objectives and policies (include creditor's customers, directors, employees, government, owners, suppliers, unions and the community).Based on findings and a comparison of the results is made focusing on stakeholder's area, and suggestions are offered for the improvement in areas examined.
TL;DR: There was not observed signifi cant eff ect of DDGS on weight and proportion of abdominal fat and feed conversion ratio, and the lightness of breast meat in the fi rst experiment, which was not confi rmed in the second experiment.
Abstract: The effects of graded levels of corn distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) as partial replacement for soybean meal in diets for broilers were observed. In the first experiment 900 males of ROSS 308 were used and they fed diets with 0, 60, 120 and 180 g/kg DDGS in grower diets (Control group, D6, D12 and D18) from 9th to 35th day of age. In the second experiment 800 broilers both sex of COBB 500 were used and they fed diets with 0 and 200 g/kg DDGS in grower diets (Control group and D20) from 9th to 35th day of age. Until age 30th day there were not significant differences among the groups in live weight in the first experiment. But at 35th day of age the live weight of chickens fed 60 and 120 g/kg DDGS (2498.5 g and 2496.3 g) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in Control group (2425.9 g, without DDGS). In the second experiment, from 23th to 35th day of age significantly higher (P < 0.05) live weight had group fed diet without DDGS in comparison with chickens fed 200 g/kg DDGS. The difference between groups at 35th day of age was 75.7 g. Feed conversion ratio was similar in all groups in both experiments. There was not observed significant effect of DDGS on weight and proportion of abdominal fat. Feeding DDGS had significant effect (P < 0.05) on decrease the lightness (L*) of breast meat in the first experiment, which was not confirmed in the second experiment.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impact of competitive environment on the expenditure efficiency in South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic and found that spatial aspect of the competitive environment has significant influence on municipal expenditure.
Abstract: This paper is based on the analysis of competitive environment in waste management in the South Moravian Region and its impact on current municipal expenditures. The paper presents the changes in the development of the municipal waste management and more specifically in the municipal solid waste expenditure per capita of the municipalities from South Moravia Region in the Czech Republic. The main goal of this paper is to examine the impact of competitive environment on the expenditure efficiency. We assume that spatial aspect of competitive environment has significant influence on the expenditure. This hypothesis was based on results of research rejected. The paper compares expenditure per capita for several municipality size groups and the data are also analysed separately for the each of the 7 districts of South Moravia Region in order to identify any significant differences in the development between the districts within the region. The period of the analysis covers 5 years from 2007 to 2011 and the sample consists of all 673 South Moravian municipalities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the thorough validation calculations that evaluate the data envelopment analysis (DEA) reformulation for bankruptcy prediction and production function-based economic performance evaluation (PFEP).
Abstract: After the recent financial crisis the need for unchallenged tools evaluating the financial health of enterprises has even arisen. Apart from well-known techniques such as Z-score and logit models, a new approaches were suggested, namely the data envelopment analysis (DEA) reformulation for bankruptcy prediction and production function-based economic performance evaluation (PFEP). Being recently suggested, these techniques have not yet been validated for common use in financial sector, although as for DEA approach some introductory studies are available for manufacturing and IT industry. In this contribution we focus on the thorough validation calculations that evaluate these techniques for the specific agribusiness industry. To keep the data as homogeneous as possible we limit the choice of agribusiness companies onto the area of the countries of Visegrad Group. The extensive data set covering several hundreds of enterprises were collected employing the database Amadeus of Bureau van Dijk. We present the validation results for each of the four mentioned methods, outline the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and discuss the valid suggestions for the effective detection of financial problems in the specific branch of agribusiness.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the EU top level domain TLD and its economic, legal, and technical pro-integrating framework and propose a virtual integration method to better integrate even on a more material level.
Abstract: It is a 'given' that today's post-modern global society is heavily dependent on the utilization of information technologies, that the economic and other crises are omnipresent and that EU integration is seriously questioned. This challenging situation has a myriad of long and short term causes and not all of them receive appropriate attention. Similarly, there is no consensus about potential methods, and forms of its solution. Still, in this global complexity remain constants, desirable venues to successfully develop a healthy competitive environment, such as a suitable use of the Internet.While the EU faces many challenges, there are many ongoing EU projects designed to support integration and enhance competitiveness and the sustainable development of EU businesses vis-a-vis the external global business world. A potential cynosure in this regard is the EU top level domain TLD.eu and its economic, legal, and technical pro-integrating framework. A good virtual integration method can help lead to a way to better integrate even on a more material level.More than ever before, scientia potentia est.1 If we understand the historic facts about the global crisis and integration, especially within the EU, as well as about the TLD.eu project, then we may be able to see the current situation from a different perspective and perhaps figure out new ways about how to reconcile prima facie contradictory interests and be able to proceed further with EU integration. So, let the Internet mirror do its task - Internet, Internet on my desk, is the EU integration a la TLD.eu the best?
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce several general approaches for indicators to collect to assist in policy-making (European Union, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) in the first part of the paper and given the differences in decision-making problems faced by these sets of decision makers.
Abstract: Current trends of agri-environmental indicators evaluation (i.e., the measurement of environmental performance) and farm reporting are discussed in the paper focusing on the agriculture sector. From the perspective of agricultural policy, there are two broad decisions to make: which indicators to recommend and promote to farmers, and which indicators to collect to assist in agriculture policy-making. We introduce several general approaches for indicators to collect to assist in policy-making (European Union, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) in the first part of our paper and given the differences in decision-making problems faced by these sets of decision makers. We continue in the second part of the paper with a proposal of indicators to recommend and promote to farmers in the Czech Republic.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors established a general methodology for calculating the costs incurred by employee turnover, including substitution of the unoccupied position, costs of conducting the exit interview and termination of the contract.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to establish a general methodology for calculating the costs incurred by employee turnover. This paper deals with identification of costs incurred by the departure of an employee, and does not deal with the cost of recruitment of a new employee. Economic calculations are adjusted to the tax policy in the Czech Republic. The costs of employee turnover (according to Bliss, 2012) include the costs of substitution of the unoccupied position, costs of conducting the exit interview and termination of the contract. The cost of an executive's time to understand the causes of leaving and costs of the leaving employee's training were also determined. Important factors in the costs of employee turnover also include the loss of knowledge and possibly also a loss of customers. Costs of lost employee and department productiveness represent an important part of the costs of employee turnover, as well. For all of these costs there have been proposed general calculations formulas.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used pitfall traping during 30 April - 28 October 2011 and by day and night sweeping of herb vegetation in different dates of 2011 to collect spiders in vineyard terraces around Mikulov and Popice.
Abstract: Faunistic data of rare and remarkable spider species found in vineyard terraces around Mikulov and Popice are presented. Vineyard terraces are artificial - man made - habitats that were established in the eighties of the 20th century with intention of growing grapevine. Spiders were collected by pitfall traping during 30 April - 28 October 2011 and by day and night sweeping of herb vegetation in different dates of 2011. Twenty two species listed in the Red List of threatened species in the Czech Republic were recorded. In vineyard terraces at the vicinity of Popice, 12 threatened species (CR - 2 species, EN - 3 species, VU - 7 species) were found altogether. In the vineyard terraces at Mikulov, we found 18 threatened spider species (CR - 3 species, EN - 7 species, VU - 8 species). Very rare and critically endangered Tibellus macellus Simon, 1875, Dysdera hungarica Kulczynski, 1897 and Cheiracanthium pennyi O. P.-Cambridge, 1873 belongs to the most significant findings. Besides of these threatened species, we discovered rich spectra of rare xerothermophilous spiders which created dominant and eudominant component of araneofauna - Alopecosa solitaria (Herman, 1879), Gnaphosa lucifuga (Walckenaer, 1802), Thanatus arenarius Thorell, 1872, and Ozyptila pullata (Thorell, 1875). We found that artificial habitats such as vineyard terraces are important as suitable habitats for a wide spectrum of xerothermophilous spiders of the Czech Republic.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the risks of the internationalization process of Czech small and medium-sized enterprises and suggest some elementary methods that could be used by Czech SMEs to eliminate risks in their internationalisation process.
Abstract: At the present time characterized by globalizing market, increasing competition, accelerating change and the occurrence of many risks it is necessary for businesses, which want to remain competitive, to be able to respond flexibly to the changes in a timely manner and to identify and manage risks. Companies try to diversify business risks, such as the loss of market share in the domestic market, by entering the foreign markets and participating in international trade. Involvement in the internationalization process cannot be understood only as an opportunity to achieve greater profits and a competitive advantage, it is necessary to consider potential risks accompanying this process, because engaging in the internationalization process may bring the companies many different specific risks. It would be useful for companies to identify the factors of failure resulting from internationalization. Identifying the barriers to internationalization, the main risk factors associated with it and designing their possible prevention or elimination could provide SMEs an impetus to enter foreign markets. Although the risk is a frequently discussed issue in the international discussion, only few studies were strictly focused on risk management in the internationalization process. Risk management is a broad discipline that requires a specific knowledge in practice. However, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises are often unable to identify the potential risks of the internationalization process and therefore are not able to manage the risks. This is due to the fact that SMEs usually do not have managers with a deep knowledge of risk management and, moreover, these managers also often lack experience with foreign markets. Unfortunately, the surveys of SMEs conclude that the poorly predicted risks of entering foreign markets are one of the most common causes of failure of SMEs internationalization process.The main objective of this paper is to identify the risks of the internationalization process of Czech small and medium-sized enterprises. To achieve the main aim, it was necessary to make a survey of current situation in Czech small and medium-sized enterprises with focus on the participation in international trade, compared to the situation of these enterprises in recent years. It was also important to define the risk factors faced by Czech small and medium-sized enterprises in connection with the entry and activities on foreign markets and to identify key risk factors SMEs in the internationalization process are exposed to. It was also necessary to find out the obstacles to the internationalization process affecting the decision of Czech SMEs to penetrate foreign markets. And the last but not least task was to suggest some elementary methods that could be used by Czech small and medium-sized enterprises to eliminate risks in their internationalization process.
TL;DR: In this paper, a follow-up GAJU project contribution concerned on process analysis of small and medium-sized enterprises is to summarize the gained results from the view of comparison of the level of strategic management in SMEs.
Abstract: Small and medium sized enterprises play an essential role in the economy of the Czech Republic as a report of development of small and medium-sized enterprises and its support from 2010 announces. They are the source of development of towns, regions and the state itself. Small and medium-sized enterprises represent 99.84 % of the whole business subjects. Statistic data underline this position - they indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises employ 2/3 employees. Therefore, occupying small and medium-sized enterprises are to be taken as priority.Strategic management on the level of small and medium-sized enterprises is, as number of authors write, diverse. Small enterprises including micro have less access to capital, they have no money for employing specialists in the field, and they solve administration primarily. The aim of this follow-up GAJU project contribution concerned on process analysis of small and medium-sized enterprises is to summarize the gained results from the view of comparison of the level of strategic management in small and medium-sized enterprises.Nowadays, numbers of enterprises are thinking about whether they are able to remain in the market as an established company, they explore the possibility of improving its position. There is a question for small and medium-sized enterprises management - can strategic management be used as an instrument for increasing competitiveness? The results show that SMEs with a clearly defined strategy show better results of financial health (IN99 and ROA) than companies without a defined strategy. In terms of business focus, we were able to demonstrate positive relationship between strategy and finance only for companies in the construction industry, on the significance level of 0.05. Compared to manufacturers and service-providing companies where this relation is not statistically significant.
TL;DR: In this article, a comparison of organic food prices and prices of conventional food in the selected retail chains in the Czech Republic showed significantly higher prices in organic food and healthy nutrition stores and the smallest difference in prices can be monitored in the milk and milk products.
Abstract: The contribution provides partial results of the research focused on organic food, a product from organic farming The total area of ecologically farmed areas in the Czech Republic permanently increases, however the offer of organic food is insufficient, in particular in view of their structure Deficiency in organic food is being solved by imports Distributors play an important role in the organic food market In the Czech Republic the largest share from them is occupied by retail chains Their share continues to grow to the detriment of other sales channels One of the main factors affecting consumers' interest in organic food is its price The comparison of organic food prices and prices of conventional food in the selected retail chains, Globus Czech Republic, limited partnership, SPAR Czech business company Pte, Tesco Stores CZ JSC, AHOLD Czech Republic JSC, BILLA Pte, and in organic food and healthy nutrition stores showed significantly higher prices The smallest difference in prices can be monitored in the milk and milk products On the contrary, the largest difference is in fruits, vegetables, eggs and jams However, the consumers' awareness of organic food quality is at the same time increasing and the consumers are willing to pay for them a higher price
TL;DR: The purpose of the experiments was to consider sensitivity of the chosen 6 sunfl ower cultivars and to show possible resistance mechanisms of this plant to copper ions, and character of changes in lipid peroxidation depends on intensity of infl uence stressor and from plant sensitivity.
Abstract: The purpose of our experiments was to consider sensitivity of the chosen 6 sunflower cultivars (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Belinda, cv. Codiwer, cv. ESPrim, cv. MAS 95, cv. MAS 97 and cv. Spirov) to copper ions with the possibility of elimination by means of brassinosteroids (BRs) on the ground of physiological characteristics (content of dry weight, amount of chlorophylls, proline content, Relative Water Content - RWC as well as malondialdehyde - MDA) and to show possible resistance mechanisms of this plant to copper ions. Lipid peroxidation (LP) is a biochemical marker for the free radical mediated injury. Character of changes in lipid peroxidation depends on intensity of influence stressor and from plant sensitivity. In leaves of experimental plants cultivars MAS 97 and SPIROV after Cu treatment by concentration 5 mM the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content has been increased on 11% and 30% respectively. The higher MDA content has been observed in leaves of cultivar ESPrim. In the other experimental variants under Cu treatment content of MDA was on control level which evidence about more less sensitivity these cultivars to Cu treatment. The combination of Cu+ BRs has been shown MDA content in leaves of all experimental plants on control level which can evidence about protection effect of BRs under Cu treatment on the leaves of experimental cultivars of sunflower plants.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect and implications of changes in money supply in the US on stock bubble rise on the US capital market, which is represented by the Dow Jones Industrial Average index.
Abstract: This article focuses on the effect and implications of changes in money supply in the US on stock bubble rise on the US capital market, which is represented by the Dow Jones Industrial Average index. This market was chosen according to the market capitalization. The attention of the paper is drawn to issues - if according to the results of empirical analysis, the money supply is a significant factor which causes the bubbles and if during the time the significance and impact of this macroeconomic factor on stock index increase.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess if there is a difference in food choice behavior between regular customers of stores of the retail chain Terno and other consumers, by means of the analysis of a questionnaire survey that was done among consumers in the South Bohemia in 2011.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to assess if there is a difference in food choice behaviour between regular customers of stores of the retail chain Terno and other consumers. Consequently, the paper aims to discover, if the strategy formulated by the consumer co-operative Jednota Ceske Budějovice was a good strategy. The core of this strategy is the orientation on the region, local and regional food and food products and the co-operation with local small and medium suppliers. Another part of this strategy is also the permanent control of quality of these products and creation of the special private label - Quality food from our region. The consumer co-operative co-operates also with the regional grouping under another label - Tastes great. Southbohemian. The assessment is done by means of the analysis of a questionnaire survey that was done among consumers in the South Bohemia in 2011. The strongest factor differentiating customers of the retail chain TERNO from other consumer is the orientation on regional or local products, which explains about 41% of variability. Other differentiating factors are environment-friendly production and selling and quality of food. All these three factors explain in total 66.5% of variability of the data set.
Abstract: Although there has been a considerable debate on market segmentation over five decades, attention was merely devoted to single stages of the segmentation process. In doing so, stages as segmentation base selection or segments profiling have been heavily covered in the extant literature, whereas stages as implementation of the marketing strategy or market definition were of a comparably lower interest. Capitalizing on this shortcoming, this paper strives to close the gap and provide each step of the segmentation process with equal treatment. Hence, the objective of this paper is two-fold. First, a snapshot of the segmentation process in a step-by-step fashion will be provided. Second, each step (where possible) will be evaluated on chosen criteria by means of description, comparison, analysis and synthesis of 32 academic papers and 13 commercial typology systems. Ultimately, the segmentation stages will be discussed with empirical findings prevalent in the segmentation studies and last but not least suggestions calling for further investigation will be presented.This seven-step-framework may assist when segmenting in practice allowing for more confidential targeting which in turn might prepare grounds for creating of a differential advantage.
TL;DR: In this article, the minimal retention time of substrates fed into anaerobic digesters and to describe substrate distribution and washing out rates from investigated digesters were investigated, and two full-scale biogas plant digesters (2000 m3 and 1500 m3) using different mixing systems and substrates were investigated.
Abstract: The total electricity demand of investigated biogas plants (BGP) makes up 7-8 % of the total electricity produced. Nearly 40 % of this energy is consumed just for mixing in digesters and the energy demand for mixing in some biogas plants can be even higher. Therefore, optimal mixing in anaerobic digesters is a basic condition for efficient plant operation and biogas production. The use of problematic substrates (e.g. grass silage or other fibrous substrates), installation of unsuitable mixing systems or inconvenient mixing intervals may lead to mixing problems. Knowledge about mixing in biogas digesters is still insufficient, so the objective of this study was to fill the information gaps in the literature by determining the minimal retention time of substrates fed into anaerobic digesters and to describe substrate distribution and washing out rates from investigated digesters. Two full-scale biogas plant digesters (2000 m3 and 1500 m3) using different mixing systems and substrates were investigated. To characterize the substrate distribution, lithium hydroxide monohydrate solutions were used for tracer tests at concentrations of 47.1 mg Li+ / kg TS and 46.6 mg Li+ / kg TS in digester. The tracer concentration in the digester effluents was measured during two hydraulic retention times and compared. Although the tracer was detected in the digester effluent at nearly the same time in both cases, the tracer tests showed very different distribution curves. The tracer concentration in effluent B grew much slower than in effluent A and no significant short circuiting streams were detected. Although the data calculated by computational fluid dynamics methods (CFD) showed a very good agreement with the full scale results, full comparison was not possible.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the Anton Paar digital viscometer with the concentric cylinders geometry to measure the viscosity of engine oils and found that the expected behavior of the expected behaviour was decreasing with the increasing temperature.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to find changes of a rheological profile of the new engine oil if the used engine oil will be add. And also find changes of a rheological profile of the used engine oil if the new engine oil will be add. For these experiments has been created the blends of the new and the used engine oil. The temperature dependence of the density [kg.m-3] has been measured in the range of -10 °C and +60 °C. The instrument Densito 30PX with the scale for measuring engine oils has been used. The dynamic viscosity [mPa.s] has been measured in the range of -10 °C and +100 °C. The Anton Paar digital viscometer with the concentric cylinders geometry has been used. In the accordance with the expected behaviour, the density and the kinematic viscosity of all oils was decreasing with the increasing temperature. To the physical properties has been the mathematical models created. For the temperature dependence of the density has been used the linearly mathematical model and the exponentially mathematical model. For the temperature dependence of the dynamic viscosity has been used the polynomial 6th degree. The knowledge of density and viscosity behaviour of an engine oil as a function of its temperature is of great importance, especially when considering running efficiency and performance of combustion engines. Proposed models can be used for description and prediction of rheological behaviour of engine oils.