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Reflection of “otherness” in international relations
Kvašňák, Daniel ; Rolenc, Jan Martin (advisor) ; Doležal, Tomáš (referee)
The current migration crisis has put significant strain on the European Union and its member states. Immigration has always been a contentious issue in societies, most often facing significant opposition. By drawing on postmodern theories of international relations and Discourse Theory, this paper analyses how immigration is being increasingly securitized by the European Union and its member states along with what makes securitization the hegemonic discourse. This is done primarily with reference to identity construction through the framing of the Other, in this case the migrant, as an unwanted and externalized element. Furthermore, the paper details how the framing of the migrant as a threat to the internal security of a country strenghtend identity politics across Europe. Finally, using the Brexit campaign in the UK, the paper analyzes how the rise in identity politics in turn raises the possibility of a successful fusion of the anti-immigration discourse with the anti-EU discourse through the exploiting of societal unease.
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Economic analysis of influence of weather extremes on working and return on investment of small hydropower plants in the Czech republic betwen 2000-2015
Pavlík, Vladimír ; Macháč, Jan (advisor) ; Louda, Jiří (referee)
Nowadays, investments to small hydroelectric power stations are still highly profitable. Return on investment of a small hydroelectric power station is frequently half the period guaranteed by the state or by energy regulatory authority (Energy Regulatory Office, ERO). There is an information asymmetry among the state, as the entity that providing a subsidy, and operator of a small hydroelectric power station. These power station have constantly great potential. However, the risk of extreme hydrological fluctuations caused by floods or drought is discussed more thoroughly. Consequently, these fluctuations might harm the return on investment. The aim of this thesis is to determine to what extent hydrological extremes will affect the return on investment...
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The influence of reducing agent on silver nanoparticles granumetric parameters
Šomodíková, Iva ; Dittrich, Milan (advisor) ; Šnejdrová, Eva (referee)
We report an experimental evidence of a process of silver particles preparation by the Tollens reduction method. Natural non toxic reducing agents, such as various starches and flavonoid plant extracts were used. As the most efficient reducing agents amaranth starch and Paulinia cupana extract were choosen for the following study. The use of starches alone leads to highly polydisperse systems. The mixing of starches with Paulinia cupana extract results in silver nanoparticles with good size-mean and size-distribution parameters. The nucleation and growth phase of the particle preparation process were improved by the microwave irradiation. The synergy of intensified molecular movement in the water phase and the similar and more thermal accented process in the newly formed metal nanoparticles were exploited. This preparation method evidently leads to the higher quality systems usable as biocompatible antimicrobials and preservatives.
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Gas Microsensors Based on Self-Organized 3D Metal-Oxide Nanofilms
Pytlíček, Zdeněk ; Husák, Miroslav (referee) ; Kolařík, Vladimír (referee) ; Prášek, Jan (advisor)
This dissertation concerns the development, fabrication and integration in a gas sensing microdevice of a novel 3-dimensional (3D) nanostructured metal-oxide semiconducting film that effectively merges the benefits of inorganic nanomaterials with the simplicity offered by non-lithographic electrochemistry-based preparation techniques. The film is synthesized via the porous-anodic-alumina-assisted anodizing of an Al/Nb metal bilayer sputter-deposited on a SiO2/Si substrate and is basically composed of a 200 nm thick NbO2 layer holding an array of upright-standing spatially separated Nb2O5 nanocolumns, being 50 nm wide, up to 900 nm long and of 8109 cm2 population density. The nanocolumns work as semiconducting nano-channels, whose resistivity is greatly impacted by the surface and interface reactions. Either Pt or Au patterned electrodes are prepared on the top of the nanocolumn array using an innovative sensor design realized by means of microfabrication technology or via a direct original point electrodeposition technique, followed by selective dissolution of the alumina overlayer. For gas-sensing tests the film is mounted on a standard TO-8 package using the wire-bonding technique. Electrical characterization of the 3D niobium-oxide nanofilm reveals asymmetric electron transport properties due to a Schottky barrier that forms at the Au/Nb2O5 or Pt/Nb2O5 interface. Effects of the active film morphology, structure and composition on the electrical and gas-sensing performance focusing on sensitivity, selectivity, detection limits and response/recovery rates are explored in experimental detection of hydrogen gas and ammonia. The fast and intensive response to H2 confirms the potential of the 3D niobium-oxide nanofilm as highly appropriate active layer for sensing application. A computer-aided microfluidics simulation of gas diffusion in the 3D nanofilm predicts a possibility to substantially improve the gas-sensing performance through the formation of a perforated top electrode, optimizing the film morphology, altering the crystal structure and by introducing certain innovations in the electrode design. Preliminary experiments show that a 3D nanofilm synthesized from an alternative Al/W metal bilayer is another promising candidate for advanced sensor applications. The techniques and materials employed in this work are advantageous for developing technically simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for practical micro- and nanodevices, where the well-defined nano-channels for charge carriers and surface reactions may bring unprecedented benefits.
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Použitelnost výpočetních metod kvantové chemie pro studium interakcí v biologických systémech
PLAČKOVÁ, Lydie
The theoretical part of the Master´s thesis describes ab initio methods in quantum chemistry and semiempirical methods, which represents a way in overcoming of main disadvantages in ab initio methods (costs, speed). The experimental part was focused on comparison highly accurate CCSD(T) method with used semiempirical methods (AM1, PM3, PM6, and PM7). The data were mostly compared on small model systems with ions, which are an essential part of many biological systems. Furthermore, the applicability of semiempirical methods was examined for the description of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions.
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Attitude of Czech Public to Accepting of Refugees in December 2016
Červenka, Jan ; Pilecká, Jarmila
In December 2016 Public Opinion Research Centre included a block of questions connected to accepting refugees from countries affected by military conflicts. Questions focused mainly on opinion towards accepting refugees from concrete regions (Ukraine, Middle East and North Africa), concern with the current situation around refugees and perception of the situation as a security threat. Press release shows also the comparison with public opinion in Poland.
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Attitudes toward social system securing – November 2016
Pilecká, Jarmila
In November 2016 CVVM included in regular research questions on social policy. Questions investigated opinions of the czech public connected to the involvement of the state and the citizens themselves to funding the sphere of social policy. Other questions focused on whether the current distribution of responsibilities is divided equally between state and citizens. Finally, we were interested in opinion on the fair distribution of benefits and abuse of the social security system.
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Citizens on the Pension System - November 2016
Čadová, Naděžda
In its November survey the Center for Public Opinion Research focused on some issues related to the pension system and pension reform. Within this thematic block respondents were presented three pairs of opposing statements expressing general attitudes to the different characteristics of the pension system. Respondents expressed their position through a five-point scale, where point 1 meant identification with the first of a pair of opposing statements and point 5, on the contrary, featured complete shift to the second statement. Individual claims were related to contradiction between principle of solidarity and merit in the pension system, whether financial security of retired people should be ensured by state or by the citizens themselves and whether the pension system in its current form is just or unjust.
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Attitude of Czech Public to Accepting of Refugees in October 2016
Pilecká, Jarmila ; Červenka, Jan
In October 2016 Public Opinion Research Centre included a block of questions connected to accepting refugees from countries affected by military conflicts. Questions focused mainly on opinion towards accepting refugees from concrete regions (Ukraine, Middle East and North Africa), concern with the current situation around refugees and perception of the situation as a security threat. Press release shows also the comparison with public opinion in Poland.
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Attitude of Czech Public to Accepting of Refugees in September 2016
Pilecká, Jarmila ; Červenka, Jan
In September 2016 Public Opinion Research Centre included a block of questions connected to accepting refugees from countries affected by military conflicts. Questions focused mainly on opinion towards accepting refugees from concrete regions (Ukraine, Middle East and North Africa), concern with the current situation around refugees and perception of the situation as a security threat. Press release shows also the comparison with public opinion in Poland.
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