Topic Overview:
Even though the work of the Institute of Road Structures BUT is often presented mainly by its laboratory research, it also includes research of traffic design and traffic engineering. The presented internship is oriented on these fields and offers several tasks you can be part of depending on your specialisation or interests. Most of them are closely connected to real-life projects of city of Brno.
Task:
One of the biggest projects we are working on is MATSIM macrosimulation. This task contains work with MATSIM itself, programming in Python or Java but also analysis of traffic behaviour and city logistics data as well as research on traffic behaviour, etc.
If you are more into details and the scale of macrosimulation is too large for you, you can also cooperate on SUMO microsimulations where you would have to deal with every single traffic lane, pedestrian crossing, bus stop and so on. For this task it is appreciated if you understand some basics of the command line but do not worry, we can teach you.
If traffic modelling is not your cup of tea at all you can cooperate on research or real projects on traffic urbanism or traffic design.
Traffic urbanism is mostly connected to the urban studies or masterplan of the city of Brno. The internship could contain tasks such as research on traffic urbanism economy, human-scale design, increasing the speed of public transport, bike or pedestrian mobility, off-street parking, etc. and their application on real projects.
The traffic design part could contain research on design standards or just cooperation on some real project.
The spectrum of our work is wide and we are open to discussing your interests and their compatibility with our research and projects.
Requirements:
Depending on the field of interest - Python/Java, GIS, AutoCAD, Civil 3D...
Outcomes:
Presentation / Report
Notes:
Due to the open topic of the internship, an online interview with a potential intern is required.
Even though the work of the Institute of Road Structures BUT is often presented mainly by its laboratory research, it also includes research of traffic design and traffic engineering. The presented internship is oriented on these fields and offers several tasks you can be part of depending on your specialisation or interests. Most of them are closely connected to real-life projects of city of Brno.
Task:
One of the biggest projects we are working on is MATSIM macrosimulation. This task contains work with MATSIM itself, programming in Python or Java but also analysis of traffic behaviour and city logistics data as well as research on traffic behaviour, etc.
If you are more into details and the scale of macrosimulation is too large for you, you can also cooperate on SUMO microsimulations where you would have to deal with every single traffic lane, pedestrian crossing, bus stop and so on. For this task it is appreciated if you understand some basics of the command line but do not worry, we can teach you.
If traffic modelling is not your cup of tea at all you can cooperate on research or real projects on traffic urbanism or traffic design.
Traffic urbanism is mostly connected to the urban studies or masterplan of the city of Brno. The internship could contain tasks such as research on traffic urbanism economy, human-scale design, increasing the speed of public transport, bike or pedestrian mobility, off-street parking, etc. and their application on real projects.
The traffic design part could contain research on design standards or just cooperation on some real project.
The spectrum of our work is wide and we are open to discussing your interests and their compatibility with our research and projects.
Requirements:
Depending on the field of interest - Python/Java, GIS, AutoCAD, Civil 3D...
Outcomes:
Presentation / Report
Notes:
Due to the open topic of the internship, an online interview with a potential intern is required.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Road Structures
Traffic Engineering
Topic Overview:
Acoustic emission events are related to an acoustic ultrasound wave that occurs in the event of the material being exposed to cracking, e.g. plastic deformation. As a crack propagates in a structure, molecular bonds are broken, releasing small amounts of energy. The energy released spreads throughout the surrounding material in the form of strain waves. The signals of acoustic waves obtained in this way are then analyzed to determine the level of the resulting damage. The energy released spreads throughout the surrounding material in the form of strain waves. At present, theoretical, and experimental studies using the AE method are based on the constant velocity of the AE wave. Knowledge of exact parameters of propagation of AE waves is necessary to localize their source correctly.
Task:
The aim of the activity will be the analysis of measured data using the MATLAB program. Determine the type of damage based on the recorded AE signals. Automatisation of these evaluations using machine learning. The verification by instrumental methods.
Requirements:
Knowledge of MATLAB environment with basic MATLAB programming and ability to process data in MATLAB environment. Awareness of mechanical waves in materials.
Acoustic emission events are related to an acoustic ultrasound wave that occurs in the event of the material being exposed to cracking, e.g. plastic deformation. As a crack propagates in a structure, molecular bonds are broken, releasing small amounts of energy. The energy released spreads throughout the surrounding material in the form of strain waves. The signals of acoustic waves obtained in this way are then analyzed to determine the level of the resulting damage. The energy released spreads throughout the surrounding material in the form of strain waves. At present, theoretical, and experimental studies using the AE method are based on the constant velocity of the AE wave. Knowledge of exact parameters of propagation of AE waves is necessary to localize their source correctly.
Task:
The aim of the activity will be the analysis of measured data using the MATLAB program. Determine the type of damage based on the recorded AE signals. Automatisation of these evaluations using machine learning. The verification by instrumental methods.
Requirements:
Knowledge of MATLAB environment with basic MATLAB programming and ability to process data in MATLAB environment. Awareness of mechanical waves in materials.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Physics
Post-processing Analysis of Acoustic Emission Signals
Topic Overview:
The work will aim to determine the modal parameters of concrete slabs using the impact-echo method. Based on the modal parameters found, the aim will be to determine which of the concrete slabs is damaged or in which and where there are artificial defects.
Task:
The aim of the activity will be the analysis of measured data using the MATLAB program. Determine the modal parameters based on the recorded mechanical waves. Automatisation of these evaluations using machine learning.
Requirements:
Knowledge of MATLAB environment with basic MATLAB programming and ability to process data in MATLAB environment. Awareness of mechanical waves in materials.
Outcomes:
Publication and presentation.
The work will aim to determine the modal parameters of concrete slabs using the impact-echo method. Based on the modal parameters found, the aim will be to determine which of the concrete slabs is damaged or in which and where there are artificial defects.
Task:
The aim of the activity will be the analysis of measured data using the MATLAB program. Determine the modal parameters based on the recorded mechanical waves. Automatisation of these evaluations using machine learning.
Requirements:
Knowledge of MATLAB environment with basic MATLAB programming and ability to process data in MATLAB environment. Awareness of mechanical waves in materials.
Outcomes:
Publication and presentation.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Physics
Application of Acoustic Methods to Identify the Modal Parameters of Concrete Slab
Topic Overview:
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It is being considered as a potentially means of storing carbon for long periods to mitigate greenhouse gases. Biochar characteristics (e.g. chemical composition, surface chemistry, particle and pore size distribution), as well as physical and chemical stabilisation mechanisms of biochar in soils, determine the effects of biochar on soil functions. Contaminants (e.g. PAHs, heavy metals, dioxins) that may be present in biochar may have detrimental effects on soil properties and functions. The occurrence of such compounds in biochar is likely to derive from either contaminated feedstocks or the use of processing conditions that may favour their production.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It is being considered as a potentially means of storing carbon for long periods to mitigate greenhouse gases. Biochar characteristics (e.g. chemical composition, surface chemistry, particle and pore size distribution), as well as physical and chemical stabilisation mechanisms of biochar in soils, determine the effects of biochar on soil functions. Contaminants (e.g. PAHs, heavy metals, dioxins) that may be present in biochar may have detrimental effects on soil properties and functions. The occurrence of such compounds in biochar is likely to derive from either contaminated feedstocks or the use of processing conditions that may favour their production.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Monitoring of Pollutants Absorbed and Emitted from Environment-Friendly Materials (Biochar and Bio-Plastics)
Topic Overview:
Soils represent the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. Soils influenced human civilizations in the past not only directly due to the agricultural production, but indirectly through a multitude of ecosystems functions. Among the most pronounced examples belong the storage and filtration of water linked to soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, provision of habitats for various biota, which activity influences the storage and recycling of nutrients and biomass production, soil structure, genetic diversity and many others. Soil functions have become a topic of discussions on the concepts of “soil quality” and “soil health,” which definition and evaluation makes sense only in relation to specific soil functions. The support of ecosystem functions is considered as a key strategy for a sustainable society development and mitigation of the changes caused by anthropogenic activities. The optimal ecosystem functions are mainly provided by soils that have developed naturally, i.e. without disruption of soil forming processes, which are not deteriorated, contaminated or changed by anthropogenic activities. Conversely, degraded/contaminated or otherwise affected soils can lose partially their capacity to provide ecosystem functions sufficiently. However, to define the healthy soil is a challenging task. In our group, we are using the thermoanalytical methods (Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to analyse soil properties and processes. Recently, we have introduced a concept of the soil universal model (SUM), which is based on the relationships observed between selected characteristics found in various types of natural soils. These characteristics are shared by all soils despite the diversity of biotic and abiotic processes and soil forming conditions and are more pronounced in non-altered (natural) soils. Currently, using thermoanalytical techniques, we are improving this model and developing new applications. We are focusing mainly on analyses of soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents, stabilizing mechanisms of soil organic matter and water properties/dynamics in natural soils. As a secodn group of methods are spectrocopies (FTIR, NIR) which are currently used for fast soil analyis and which can replace the thermal methods.
Task:
Samples preparation and measurement, data analysis, statistical elaboration.
Requirements:
Very good communications skills (i.e. good English), enthusiasms, working experience in chemical or biological lab, basic statistical background (knowledge of advanced statistical methods would be perfect), Microsoft Office, Excel.
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Soils represent the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. Soils influenced human civilizations in the past not only directly due to the agricultural production, but indirectly through a multitude of ecosystems functions. Among the most pronounced examples belong the storage and filtration of water linked to soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, provision of habitats for various biota, which activity influences the storage and recycling of nutrients and biomass production, soil structure, genetic diversity and many others. Soil functions have become a topic of discussions on the concepts of “soil quality” and “soil health,” which definition and evaluation makes sense only in relation to specific soil functions. The support of ecosystem functions is considered as a key strategy for a sustainable society development and mitigation of the changes caused by anthropogenic activities. The optimal ecosystem functions are mainly provided by soils that have developed naturally, i.e. without disruption of soil forming processes, which are not deteriorated, contaminated or changed by anthropogenic activities. Conversely, degraded/contaminated or otherwise affected soils can lose partially their capacity to provide ecosystem functions sufficiently. However, to define the healthy soil is a challenging task. In our group, we are using the thermoanalytical methods (Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to analyse soil properties and processes. Recently, we have introduced a concept of the soil universal model (SUM), which is based on the relationships observed between selected characteristics found in various types of natural soils. These characteristics are shared by all soils despite the diversity of biotic and abiotic processes and soil forming conditions and are more pronounced in non-altered (natural) soils. Currently, using thermoanalytical techniques, we are improving this model and developing new applications. We are focusing mainly on analyses of soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents, stabilizing mechanisms of soil organic matter and water properties/dynamics in natural soils. As a secodn group of methods are spectrocopies (FTIR, NIR) which are currently used for fast soil analyis and which can replace the thermal methods.
Task:
Samples preparation and measurement, data analysis, statistical elaboration.
Requirements:
Very good communications skills (i.e. good English), enthusiasms, working experience in chemical or biological lab, basic statistical background (knowledge of advanced statistical methods would be perfect), Microsoft Office, Excel.
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Thermoanalytical Methods for Determonation of Soil Properties and Processes
Topic Overview:
Biochar application is likely to improve the overall sorption capacity of soils towards common anthropogenic organic compounds (e.g. PAHs, pesticides and herbicides), and therefore influence toxicity, transport and fate of such contaminants. High biochar sorption capacity could be also used for removing of pollutants from different type of waste water.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Biochar application is likely to improve the overall sorption capacity of soils towards common anthropogenic organic compounds (e.g. PAHs, pesticides and herbicides), and therefore influence toxicity, transport and fate of such contaminants. High biochar sorption capacity could be also used for removing of pollutants from different type of waste water.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
The Use of Biochar as a Sorption Material to Remove Contaminants From Water
Topic Overview:
Microplastics (MPs) with their widespread distribution are gradually becoming a global threat to the environment. Due to the small dimensions, MPs can be consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms, they may affect their reproductive behaviour, growth rate and possibly even viability of organisms. In our laboratory, to monitor the effect of microplastic particles on organisms we use both acute and chronic ecotoxicity tests on the crustacean D. magna, the aquatic plant L. minor, and for soil ecotoxicity tests we use earthworms (E. fetida).
Task:
Preparation of ecotoxicity tests, culturing of laboratory breedings of organisms, data analysis.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic statistical background, Microsoft Office, Excel, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Microplastics (MPs) with their widespread distribution are gradually becoming a global threat to the environment. Due to the small dimensions, MPs can be consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms, they may affect their reproductive behaviour, growth rate and possibly even viability of organisms. In our laboratory, to monitor the effect of microplastic particles on organisms we use both acute and chronic ecotoxicity tests on the crustacean D. magna, the aquatic plant L. minor, and for soil ecotoxicity tests we use earthworms (E. fetida).
Task:
Preparation of ecotoxicity tests, culturing of laboratory breedings of organisms, data analysis.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic statistical background, Microsoft Office, Excel, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Impact of Microplastic Particles on Aquatic and Soil Organisms
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Literature Review Activities in Agricultural and Food Engineering
Topic Overview:
Every scientific paper begins with the literature overview. Even the first steps with research experiments stand for proper literature research. Worldwide scientific databases contain a huge number of papers that can provide lots of useful information for the literature overview.
Task:
Trainee’s task will be to elaborate a quality literature review of the selected issue and prepare a Journal Paper of the "Overview" type for publishing. Student can select a topic in one of the following areas:
a) Precise agriculture;
b) Livestock emissions (especially ammonia in farming of poultry and pigs and methane in farming of livestock);
c) Factors influencing odor emissions in livestock;
d) Image processing;
e) AI in agriculture;
f) Robotization in agriculture.
Requirements:
Basic skills with text processors (MS Word, LaTeX...)
Outcomes:
Literature review, scientific paper…
References:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/11-steps-to-structuring-a-science-paper-editors-will-take-seriously
Notes:
It is not necessary to have knowledge of writing scientific articles. We will clarify everything. The focus of the work will be specified according to the trainee's interest (It is possible to find another area for preparing lit. review).
Every scientific paper begins with the literature overview. Even the first steps with research experiments stand for proper literature research. Worldwide scientific databases contain a huge number of papers that can provide lots of useful information for the literature overview.
Task:
Trainee’s task will be to elaborate a quality literature review of the selected issue and prepare a Journal Paper of the "Overview" type for publishing. Student can select a topic in one of the following areas:
a) Precise agriculture;
b) Livestock emissions (especially ammonia in farming of poultry and pigs and methane in farming of livestock);
c) Factors influencing odor emissions in livestock;
d) Image processing;
e) AI in agriculture;
f) Robotization in agriculture.
Requirements:
Basic skills with text processors (MS Word, LaTeX...)
Outcomes:
Literature review, scientific paper…
References:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/11-steps-to-structuring-a-science-paper-editors-will-take-seriously
Notes:
It is not necessary to have knowledge of writing scientific articles. We will clarify everything. The focus of the work will be specified according to the trainee's interest (It is possible to find another area for preparing lit. review).
UNIGOU EXCHANGE - AVAILABLE TOPICS
Topic Overview:
Organic matter is an indispensable component of the soil. It affects the moisture and nutritional regime of soils. It has an irreplaceable role in maintaining soil fertility. During the internship, the student will get acquainted with a new method of evaluating soil organic matter. Emphasis will be placed on labile fractions of soil organic matter directly affecting soil fertility. In addition to analysing soil organic matter, students will learn about evaluating other essential soil characteristics..
Tasks:
Students will analyse soil samples in the laboratory under expert supervision (later independently). The student will write a literature review on the importance of soil organic matter.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, patience, accuracy.
References:
Kopecký, Marek, Ladislav Kolář, Kristýna Perná, Radka Váchalová, Petr Mráz, Petr Konvalina, Yves T. Murindangabo, Mohammad Ghorbani, Ladislav Menšík, and Miroslav Dumbrovský. 2022. "Fractionation of Soil Organic Matter into Labile and Stable Fractions" Agronomy 12, no. 1: 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010073
Organic matter is an indispensable component of the soil. It affects the moisture and nutritional regime of soils. It has an irreplaceable role in maintaining soil fertility. During the internship, the student will get acquainted with a new method of evaluating soil organic matter. Emphasis will be placed on labile fractions of soil organic matter directly affecting soil fertility. In addition to analysing soil organic matter, students will learn about evaluating other essential soil characteristics..
Tasks:
Students will analyse soil samples in the laboratory under expert supervision (later independently). The student will write a literature review on the importance of soil organic matter.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, patience, accuracy.
References:
Kopecký, Marek, Ladislav Kolář, Kristýna Perná, Radka Váchalová, Petr Mráz, Petr Konvalina, Yves T. Murindangabo, Mohammad Ghorbani, Ladislav Menšík, and Miroslav Dumbrovský. 2022. "Fractionation of Soil Organic Matter into Labile and Stable Fractions" Agronomy 12, no. 1: 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010073
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agroecosystems
Fractionation of Soil Organic Matter into Labile and Stable Fractions
Topic Overview:
Soil microorganisms (especially fungi and bacteria) play important roles in soil quality and plant productivity. The composition of the soil microbial communities may be affected by farming practices. During the internship, the student will get acquainted with a two classical method of isolation soil microorganisms and the method of determining soil basal respiration. Emphasis will be placed on linking the used methods.
Task:
Students will analyse soil samples in the laboratory under expert supervision (later independently also). The student will write a literature review on the importance of soil microbial activity.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, patience, accuracy.
References:
Parkinson, D., & Williams, S. T. (1960). A method for isolating fungi from soil microhabitats. Plant and Soil, 13(4), 347-355.
Azaz, A. D. (2003). Isolation and identification of soilborne fungi in fields irrigated by GAP in Harran Plain using two isolation methods. Turkish Journal of Botany, 27(2), 83-92.
Pell, M., Stenstrom, J., & Granhall, U. (2005). 7.2 Soil Respiration. Bloem, J; DW Hopkins & A Benedetti, 117-126.
Soil microorganisms (especially fungi and bacteria) play important roles in soil quality and plant productivity. The composition of the soil microbial communities may be affected by farming practices. During the internship, the student will get acquainted with a two classical method of isolation soil microorganisms and the method of determining soil basal respiration. Emphasis will be placed on linking the used methods.
Task:
Students will analyse soil samples in the laboratory under expert supervision (later independently also). The student will write a literature review on the importance of soil microbial activity.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, patience, accuracy.
References:
Parkinson, D., & Williams, S. T. (1960). A method for isolating fungi from soil microhabitats. Plant and Soil, 13(4), 347-355.
Azaz, A. D. (2003). Isolation and identification of soilborne fungi in fields irrigated by GAP in Harran Plain using two isolation methods. Turkish Journal of Botany, 27(2), 83-92.
Pell, M., Stenstrom, J., & Granhall, U. (2005). 7.2 Soil Respiration. Bloem, J; DW Hopkins & A Benedetti, 117-126.
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Agroecosystems
Soil Microbial Community Composition and Basal Respiration
