Brno University Of Technology Research Articles

Writing for Architecture and Civil Engineering: Comparing Czech and Italian Students’ Needs in ESP

This study is an investigation into the perceived ESP writing needs of students of architecture and civil engineering in two European Universities where English has become the language to promote internationalization, namely, the University of Pavia and Brno University of Technology. The research presented is done in the framework of an EU-funded project – Becoming A Digital Global Engineer, BADGE, aimed at improving the quality of language and communication skills of engineering students in Europe. It is also done with reference to the Global Engineers Language Skills Framework, GELS, an adapted version of CEFR language proficiency levels for engineers. Results contributed information about written genres and the digital technology used by students for writing, pointing to preferred genres in the engineering/architecture fields and the impact of digital tools on students’ writing habits. The results are discussed as an opportunity to reflect on the students’ needs, both specific to the individual teaching contexts and across them, and make suggestions for ESP writing pedagogy.

LoRaWAN: Lost for Localization?

Nowadays, the flexible localization solution for various devices for workplace safety is one of the most demanding research questions. Notably, it is expected to provide an acceptable level of precision in different types of environments empowered by wearable technology and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Existing leading localization technologies are adapted for certain conditions, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and ultra-wideband (UWB) are used for indoor areas and various global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based ones for outdoors. This work focuses on investigating the long-range wide-area network (LoRaWAN) (868-MHz band) as a potential candidate to bridge this gap, being one of the most reliable and recognized communication technologies for the Industrial IoT (IIoT). In the past, the research community had a lot of critics with respect to the applicability of LoRaWAN for localization, while the vision is facing tremendous change over the past two years. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of LoRaWAN as a localization solution for work safety applications in the industrial scenario from different angles. The work is based on two measurement campaigns conducted at the Brno University of Technology (BUT), Brno, Czech Republic, and the University Politechnica of Bucharest (UPB), Bucharest, Romania. The campaigns cover both indoor and outdoor scenarios and provide the practical limitations of the positioning in standalone and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> -nearest neighbors ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> -NN) powered localization systems. According to the results, LoRaWAN-based localization with relatively dense gateways (GWs) deployment allows for achieving a meter-level accuracy, which may be suitable for the localization of workers.

Peer Review Statement

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing Publishing.• Type of peer review: Single Anonymous• Conference submission management system: Morressier• Number of submissions received: 32• Number of submissions sent for review: 32• Number of submissions accepted: 24• Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 81.3• Average number of reviews per paper: 2• Total number of reviewers involved: 11• Contact person for queries: Name: František Klein Email: abaf.brno@gmail.com Affiliation: Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

Preface

Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, has been involved in the research of materials for electrochemical power sources for more than 50 years. In connection with these research activities, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Technology initiated in the year 2000 a series of internationally oriented conferences under the name “Advanced Batteries, Accumulators and Fuel Cells”. They focus on advances in science and technology in the field of electrochemical processes and energy storage (batteries, accumulators, supercapacitors and fuel cells), energy generation from renewable sources, photovoltaic systems, nanomaterials for electrochemical power sources and aspects of corrosion. Every year, the latest discoveries and trends are added to the conference program.This special issue of Journal of Physics: Conference Series contains a selection of 24 full text papers presented at the 23rd International Conference on Advanced Batteries, Accumulators and Fuel Cells, which took place from August 21 to 24, 2022 in Brno, Czech Republic. The book of extended abstracts of all conference lectures and posters is available at www.aba-brno.cz/download/2022-ABAF-Proceeding.pdf.After several tough years of COVID-19 restrictions, 2022 was the first year without any COVID19 related limitations. Unfortunately, the world was not at peace, and as a gesture of support to our colleagues from Ukraine, all scientists representing Ukrainian scientific institutions could attend our conference for free.List of The Organizing Committee is available in this Pdf.

NEW SYSTEMS OF ENERGY RECOVERY AND ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC BATTERY MOBILE DRIVE

The article presents a brief overview of new electric-hydraulic systems of three selected earthmoving machines developed by means of mathematical modeling and simulation. These machines were as follows: a road tire roller, an excavator and a wheel loader. Their common feature was that a special innovative system was developed for each of them by Bosch Rexroth company (Brno) in cooperation with BUT (Brno University of Technology) using mathematical modeling of hydraulic, mechanical and electrical processes in the machines. Each of these machines represents an innovation: a module for the recovery of kinetic ("braking") energy was developed for the road roller, and an emission-free electric battery drive for the excavator and the loader as a replacement for the diesel engine drive.

Modern diagnostic approach to patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a relatively frequent and serious condition in vascular surgery. The diagnostic and indication process and its treatment are driven by the guidelines which dictate an intervention when the maximum AAA diameter is more than 55 mm. Nevertheless, this approach is not fully sufficient in all AAA cases and thus we have been seeking to develop a modern diagnostic tool using computer modeling and vascular wall stress analysis. The project has been ongoing in cooperation with engineers from VUT Brno (Brno University of Technology) and V&#352;B Ostrava (Technical University of Ostrava) for ten years. The design of the analytical tool was created during the first, experimental period of the project; this tool is able to assess vascular wall stress from regular CT scans using the finite element method. This primary model was gradually altered and its precision was increased considerably in the course of the years using data from mechanical and histological tests of AAA wall specimens harvested during open repairs. Additionally, other patient specific data are included in the analysis such as blood pressure, gender and material characteristics. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated in a pseudo-prospective study, showing clear superiority of the vascular wall stress analysis over the maximum diameter approach. The method was used in clinical practice for the first time during restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic; based on the analysis we were able to assess which AAA cases can be postponed and which had a high risk of rupture and an intervention was required despite the restrictions. The method achieved 100% sensitivity, and its specificity was also much better compared to the maximum diameter approach. The vascular wall stress analysis of AAA seems to be much more precise than the classic indication approach based only on the maximum diameter, and it can be used to determine the therapy based on patient specific parameters.

Scientific Computing and Visualization with Maple in Economics and Economic Research

The aim of this paper is to map selected tools offered by Maple and user support provided by Maplesoft Inc. for professional and modern implementation in the field of scientific computing, modeling and visualizations in economics. Such support will be a significant technical advantage in time for use in economic research. The paper analyzes the latest version of the mathematical software Maple for scientific computing in economics and finance. It terms of its implementation in the quantitative modeling, calculations and graphics visualizations, both the direct using of built-in elements and the communication platform supported by the Canadian company Maplesoft Inc. that has developed Maple since 1980. Solutions of economic problems are intimately linked in the number of areas of society. At present, continuous innovations and using of new information technologies is trend in science, education and researches that occurs all over the world. Our efforts in this analysis are one of the preparatory stages to meet the primary objective of the solution of the project ""Construction of a complex multi-methods evaluation of performance in selected sectors"" (Reg. No. P403/11/2085) realized at the Brno University of Technology and the Mendel University in Brno.

Numerical Study of Flow Field Characteristics in the Trachea During Growth of Human Upper Airways

The development of organs in the human body does not end at birth. During the first five years of life, changes occur in the respiratory tract, not only in terms of its dimensions but also in the way it is used. Efforts to provide non-invasive treatment in the form of medical aerosols administered to children´s lungs during this period must be supported by knowledge of the flow pattern that significantly influences their transport and deposition. Research related to flow patterns in the adult human respiratory tract is quite widespread and the phenomena that occur during inhalation in different parts of the respiratory tract have been widely documented. In the case of the paediatric respiratory tract, research is relatively scarce due to the age of the patient and the desire to minimise interference with the paediatric organism. At the Brno University of Technology, we have the geometry of the airway of a ten-month-old infant, a scaled model of an adult to match the geometry of a five-year-old child based on scientific knowledge and also an adult model of the human respiratory tract. These geometries, together with knowledge of respiratory physiology were used to compare the changes in airflow behaviour that occur in the trachea during the first five years and compare it to fully developed adult human geometry. Computational Fluid Dynamics was used to investigate the model using a Large Eddy Simulation approach. The periods of life captured by the geometries differ not only in their dimensional difference but also in their approach to airway use. The impact of these differences has been captured in the paper.

Monitoring the effectiveness of selected sorption materials in removing diclofenac from water

One of the contemporary problems is the widespread use of medicaments, which leads to an increased occurrence of these substances in the environment. The efficiency of conventional treatment processes for removing drugs from water is in most cases very little, if not zero. Treatment processes for removal of drugs include adsorption on activated carbon, membrane processes, and advanced oxidation processes. Within a specific university research project, a laboratory test was performed at the Institute of Municipal Water Management of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, to monitor the effectiveness of diclofenac removal by selected sorption materials. Diclofenac was chosen for this experiment as a representative of one of the most widespread groups of drugs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The removal of diclofenac from water was performed using columns filled with sorption materials Filtrasorb F100, GEH and Bayoxide E33. The aim of the test was to compare the selected sorption materials in terms of their effectiveness in removing diclofenac from water. From analyses of water taken at predetermined time intervals after filtration through said materials, it was found that the most suitable material for removing diclofenac from water is Filtrasorb F100.

Deep learning v psychoterapii: Strojová analýza nahrávek terapeutických sezení

An expert team from Brno University of Technology and Masaryk University is developing a web application to provide therapists with feedback based on automatic processing of regularly collected questionnaire data and audio recordings from therapy sessions (from project report).

Evaluation of Behaviour of Plan Curved Structure Supported by Arch

New type of plan curved structure has been developed within the research of arch footbridges at Faculty of Civil Engineering of Brno University of Technology. Structural arrangement came out of study of behaviour of plan curved upper deck arch structures of various radii of curvature. The design method of such structures with ideal shape of arch was the outcome of the research. Results of numerical analysis were verified on physical model in scale 1:10, which has been built and tested. The model has been mounted with gauges – 41 strain gauges at various positions on concrete and steel part of the structure and 5 deflection sensors. Then the structure has been subjected to loads in various positions corresponding with load positions of variable loads in calculation model. The paper describes evaluation of measurement of stresses and deformations of physical model of plan curved structure supported by an arch. Obtained values of stresses and deformations were compared with values derived from FE calculation model.

Influence of Ambient Temperature on Radiative and Convective Heat Dissipation Ratio in Polymer Heat Sinks.

Miniaturization of electronic devices leads to new heat dissipation challenges and traditional cooling methods need to be replaced by new better ones. Polymer heat sinks may, thanks to their unique properties, replace standardly used heat sink materials in certain applications, especially in applications with high ambient temperature. Polymers natively dispose of high surface emissivity in comparison with glossy metals. This high emissivity allows a larger amount of heat to be dissipated to the ambient with the fourth power of its absolute surface temperature. This paper shows the change in radiative and convective heat transfer from polymer heat sinks used in different ambient temperatures. Furthermore, the observed polymer heat sinks have differently oriented graphite filler caused by their molding process differences, therefore their thermal conductivity anisotropies and overall cooling efficiencies also differ. Furthermore, it is also shown that a high radiative heat transfer leads to minimizing these cooling efficiency differences between these polymer heat sinks of the same geometry. The measurements were conducted at HEATLAB, Brno University of Technology.

Impedance Evaluation By Distribution of Relaxation Times Applied to a Lead-Acid Storage Battery

Introduction – electrical impedance and its evaluation. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is used to identify the physical characteristics of a system or, in the absence of adequate equivalent circuits; it is at least used to compare overall impedance response as a change of a particular parameter. A novel approach to acquired impedance data treatment is to process them mathematically and obtain what is known as distribution of relaxation times, abbreviated as DRT. Here the method is evaluated to explore its suitability for evaluation of state of charge of a lead-acid battery.The typical impedance evaluation is based on fitting to equivalent circuits. However, oftentimes both finding the equivalent circuit and the physical component assignment are tedious, if not impossible. Recently a new approach to data reduction has been treatment via distribution of relaxation times (DRT) [1, 2]. In principle, this approach has been outlined already in 1936 [3]. Its present use was made possible by available computation power of current PCs [4, 5]. While this is not a substitute to equivalent circuits and subsequent physical data interpretation, it is possibly a method, when used appropriately and in automated way, that can provide more information that simple comparison of the Bode or Nyquist graphs.Here we treated impedance data from lead-acid battery studies by the DRT approach. Of interest are charged and discharged states of the battery as well as aging of the battery. During the operation of a lead-acid battery, its operating properties gradually deteriorate. Experimental part A lead-acid commercial maintenance free cell Hawker Cyclon 2 V/2.5 Ah (EnerSys) of spiral construction with AGM separator was used. The discharge step was carried out at current 0.4 A until the voltage dropped to 1.6 V. After that charging commenced using current of 0.4 A, with upper voltage limit 2.4 V, which took about 7 hours. During the experiment impedance of the cell was measured every approximately 150 s. The frequency range was 6 kHz to 351 mHz, 6 steps per decade, amplitude 5 mV. DRT – resolving model data Application of the DRT method makes it possible, without any preliminary considerations, to estimate how many meaningful time constants can be expected in the evaluated system. It is possible to illustrate, for example, that an impedance response generated by five RC circuits separated by 1/2 order of magnitude in a time constant, which in a Nyquist plot looks like a depressed semicircle, can be resolved into five peaks in DRT.State of charge of a lead-acid battery can be investigated by impedance measurements [6-8]. A large series of the impedance data obtained in our laboratory previously from gradual discharge of a lead-acid battery was treated by the DRT routine and the response is shown in the attached figure (Impedance data treated by the DRT method for a lead-acid battery. Front to back a fully charged to a discharged state.). Remarkable is the growing-in feature, with also changing its time-constant over four orders of magnitude can be associated with the state of charge. Conclusion The mathematical method of applying the distribution of relaxation times numerical method to evaluation of large sets of data appears to be a promising approach to data reduction and subsequent studies of devices and material properties with changing impedance properties. Acknowledgement This work was supported with the help of the grant for specific research at the Brno University of Technology (FEKT-S-20-6206).

Comparison of a Novel Polymeric Hollow Fiber Heat Exchanger and a Commercially Available Metal Automotive Radiator.

A novel heat exchanger for automotive applications developed by the Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Laboratory at the Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic, is compared with a conventional commercially available metal radiator. The heat transfer surface of this heat exchanger is composed of polymeric hollow fibers made from polyamide 612 by DuPont (Zytel LC6159). The cross-section of the polymeric radiator is identical to the aluminum radiator (louvered fins on flat tubes) in a Skoda Octavia and measures 720 × 480 mm. The goal of the study is to compare the functionality and performance parameters of both radiators based on the results of tests in a calibrated air wind tunnel. During testing, both heat exchangers were tested in conventional conditions used for car radiators with different air flow and coolant (50% ethylene glycol) rates. The polymeric hollow fiber heat exchanger demonstrated about 20% higher thermal performance for the same air flow. The efficiency of the polymeric radiator was in the range 80–93% and the efficiency of the aluminum radiator was in the range 64–84%. The polymeric radiator is 30% lighter than its conventional metal competitor. Both tested radiators had very similar pressure loss on the liquid side, but the polymeric radiator featured higher air pressure loss.

Preface

In order to meet the health and safety needs of our attendees and staff, the 2021 International Conference on Agriculture Science and Water Resource (ASWR2021) which was scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, China, was held virtually online during January 22nd-25th, 2021. Being different from the traditional gatherings we all know, this virtual conference allows us to connect in new ways while keeping expenditure saving and maintaining social distancing. Presentations of presenter from different countries are accessible to hundreds of researchers effectively.Closely related to life, agricultural science and water resource have always been hot research topics and are gaining more and more attention from various countries. Agricultural production depends to a large extent on limited resources such as soil, water, nutrients and energy. At the same time, the misconduct usage of water resources brings about the increasingly prominent environmental problems. Under such condition, ASWR2021 would lay a platform for the interaction between experts and scholars and engineering technicians in the related fields to jointly promote the challenge aspects and discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developments in this field.More than 60 individuals attended this online conference via cloud platform for video and audio Zoom. The conference was divided into two parts: keynote speeches and oral presentations. In the keynote speeches part, three keynote speeches with allocated time about 45 minutes each were delivered by Prof. Jiří Jaromír Klemeš, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic; Prof. Defu Zhang, Xiamen University, China and Assoc. Prof. Wenchao Li, Hebei Agricultural University, China. Their insightful speeches gave our participants great inspiration. In the oral presentations part, experts and practitioners interested in Agriculture Science and Water Resource were given about 10 minutes to present their oral presentations to discuss state-of-the-art research results, perspectives of future developments, and innovative applications of their research.The conference ASWR2021 focuses on the discussion of the various aspects of agriculture, water resource, animal science, plant science and soil science. Some submitted manuscripts within the scope of the conference, which representing the advanced studies, were selected as the excellent papers and complied in the Conference Proceedings. Every accepted paper has undergone peer review process arranged by the Editorial Committee. At least two independent reviewers should review and approve a paper. If reviewers had different opinion on it, more reviewers would be selected to help make a final decision. We believe that the Proceedings will serve as an important research source to provide recent development and information related to agriculture, water resources and environment protection.On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all authors and presenters. We are also grateful to the Technical Program Committee members and reviewers as well as all the colleagues from IOP publisher. It is the joint efforts of everyone that makes the conference a great success.Committee of ASWR2021List of Committee Members are available in this Pdf.

Peer review declaration

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. • Type of peer review: Double-blind • Conference submission management system: e-mail system, email addresses used for the submission process: pbe@fce.vutbr.cz Tomas Hanak was in charge • Number of submissions received: 12 • Number of submissions sent for review: 12 • Number of submissions accepted: 10 • Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 83% • Average number of reviews per paper: 3.7 • Total number of reviewers involved: 18 • Any additional info on review process: Most of papers were subject of two review rounds. That is why the average number of reviews per paper is 3.7. • Contact person for queries: Tomas Hanak, Brno University of Technology hanak.t@fce.vutbr.cz

Experiences With Using of Loading Tests and the “design Assisted by Testing” Method for the Determination and Verification of Structural Members and Details

This paper describes experiences with use of different types of experiments (i.e. loading tests) as well as with use of socalled “Design assisted by testing” method given in the standard “Eurocode 1”. Both these mentioned ways are useful in case of a determination and verification of important design parameters, material properties and load-carrying capacities (in case of different types of stresses, used materials or geometric configurations of designed constructions or their elements and details). In this area, during recent years, large number of miscellaneous loading tests have been performed at the authors’ workplace. Therefore, all presented information and all described experiment results in this article are directly based on solved experimental (and theoretical) research programs carried out at Institute of Metal and Timber Structures at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology in cooperation with research institutes and companies in the Czech Republic. Most of all research projects were focused on the load-carrying capacity determination as well as on the knowledge about an actual behaviour and failure mechanisms of steel and steel-concrete structural members and details (recently of members made of FRP or GFRP composite, too), usually in case of verification of either existing or newly designed building or bridge structures.

Digital Testing During the Pandemic Crisis

In 2020, the pandemic crisis caused by covid-19 led to some changes in global education. Consequently, primary and secondary schools as well as universities introduced distance learning in many countries all over the world. This situation mostly required, among other things, a new way of testing learners’ knowledge and skills. The objectives of this paper are to reveal university students’ opinions on computer-based tests in comparison with paper-and-pencil tests and to map their requirements concerning digital testing of English as a foreign language. The research sample includes 284 students of the Faculty of Business and Management, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic. These students experienced online testing at home during the summer semester of 2019/20 as well as paper tests at school in the previous winter semester of the same academic year. Thereafter, they were asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. The results have shown that the learners were mostly satisfied with the introduction of online testing at home. However, if the electronic tests took place at school, not all of them would prefer this way of testing. Regarding tasks in digital tests, the learners gave priority to assignments based on multiple choice. Moreover, the respondents expressed their views on electronic devices and testing speaking skills on online platforms.

Evaluation of microwave drying effects on historical brickwork and modern building materials

One of the most common reasons for any construction work requirements is an increased humidity of the building. Increased humidity does not affect only buildings with basement, but also buildings without it, which were not properly hydro-isolated or the hydro isolation was damaged due to aging or to adverse environmental effects. Such situations are solved with designing suitable remediation measures, which necessarily includes drying of damp masonry as well. This almost always includes historical buildings, where protection against groundwater was never planned. Such buildings are usually very sensitive to any physical intervention into construction itself and destructive methods of revitalization are very often completely out of the question, therefore it is necessary to develop methods, which can be used particularly for historical buildings. This article focuses on evaluating effects of microwave drying historical brickwork as well as modern building materials. First, the method of microwave drying is described in general, then we cover the experiment, which was performed at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology. The experiment was applied on two pillars made of historical brickwork. Those samples were being thoroughly analysed during the drying process and final outcomes were compared to already existing experiments on modern materials. The goal of this work is to find out, if the method of microwave drying is more suitable for described conditions and also to set such process of drying, which would provide the highest effectivity.

Preface

The 12th International Scientific Conference of Civil and Environmental Engineering for the PhD. students and young scientists below 35 years under auspices of the dean of the Civil Engineering Faculty of the Technical University of Košice assoc. prof. Peter Mésároš was planned to be held on 22nd – 24th April 2020 but due to known circumstances was postponed. The postponed conference is planned to be held on 15th - 16th of October 2020 in Štrbské Pleso, the High Tatras, Slovakia. This traditional meeting of PhD. students, their supervisors and young scientists working in the field of civil engineering and environmental science is organised by the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia. The Young Scientist 2020 offers an international platform for the dissemination of original research results; provides a pleasant environment to present new, great ideas of young researchers and discovered advances in the field of civil engineering and related interdisciplinary topics. It is an opportunity for PhD. students and young researchers to discussed scientific topics and research results of topical issues in civil engineering, to share their knowledge and experiences, to collaborate in innovative designs and proposals. In addition, the valuable presentations are usually extended by a social program including the interesting field trip in the High Tatras.The Conference usually assembles more than 60 delegates, from the Slovak Republic (Technical University of Košice, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava), the Czech Republic (Czech Technical University in Prague; Brno University of Technology, Mendel University in Brno, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava), from the Croatia (Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek) and from the Poland (Cracow University of Technology of Cracow) including PhD. students and other representatives from the universities. The scientific contributions involved a wide range of research fields: Building Physics and Services, Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency, Statics, Dynamics and Modeling, Structural Engineering and Bridges, Transport and Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Technology, Organization and Management, Construction Economics, Marketing and Management, Building Information Modeling, Innovations in Construction Design and Technology, Environmental Engineering, Healthy Indoor Environment, Material Engineering and Recycling as well as Sustainable Water Management.Forty contributions have been selected to be published in the volume of Journal IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. The organizing committee appreciates the enormous work of the both the editorial board and reviewers in the preparation of this volume. Many thanks also to all authors for their flexibility and meeting deadlines.assoc. prof. Martina Zeleňákováassoc. prof. Peter Mésárošassis. prof. Vlasta Ondrejka Harbul’áková