UNIGOU REMOTE AVAILABLE TOPICS
You are encouraged to apply for a topic in a field similar to the one of your studies and experience. For example, a student of Mechatronics Engineering might as well fit to projects within the Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; a student of Administration might find interesting topics listed for Economics etc. Please, bear in mind that your application will be processed considering all the selected topics equally. There is no order of preference.
Literature Review Activities in Agricultural and Food Engineering
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
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.
Tasks:
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) image processing;
b) AI in agriculture;
c) computer vision;
d) robotization in agriculture.
Requirements:
Basic skills with text processors (MS Word, LaTeX…)
Outcomes:
Literature review, scientific paper…
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.)
Investigation the Most Effective Energy-Efficient and Zero-Waste Technology Aaimed at Transforming Livestock Farm Manure Into Organic Fertilizers
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Livestock farm manure is a source of ecological pollution in air and ground, at the same time fertility of soils depend on qualitative nutrition and organics. Different technologies exist today for conversion livestock manure to organic fertilizers however the objective is more complex and to find the most energy-efficient and zero-waste technology in usual terms of Czechia and Brazilia.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review. Identification, scientific justification and comparative analysis in details of the most efficient & zero-waste technology.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural and/or Technological Universities. Defence year of Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Scientific publication.
Technology and Procedure of the Organic Certification for Food Processing and Preservation Operators: History, Evolution and Identified Gaps Today
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Review and analysis of the history, evolution and current procedures of bio certification for the food storage and preservation industry. Identification of challenges and tasks for future development of the sustainable food system.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
References:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1167017
Deterioration of Food Quality During Storage and Challenges in External Identification: Certain Product Categories
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
There are some food products that are highly sensitive to climate conditions during storage and whose quality is difficult to identify visually. These foods all require careful storage under specific conditions, and their quality can be compromised even when they appear visually intact. Taste, texture, and aroma often reveal degradation or spoilage better than appearance alone. Specific product categories (2-3) will be defined by supervisor in later stages.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
Cultural Landscape in the Suburban Area of Large Settlements, Its Signs and Values
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Urban Design, Town and Regional Planning
Topic Overview:
The main goal of the supervisor’s topic is to determine the cultural-historical values and attributes of the cultural landscape in the surroudings of arge cities, which could be devalued due to suburbanization (residential and commercial).
A aparently worthless suburban landscape, at first sight showing no continuity and cultural-historical values or structures, may contain a number of historical landscape structures that manifest themselves in the landscape scene and influence the future organization or growth of the settlement. Although such a cultural landscape seems worthless, it can hide a number of values and structures that can be further used (eg. preserved old roads, along which new construction develops). This dissertation focuses on the cultural and historical values of the landscape, which may be affected by suburbanization.
Tasks:
The report of foreign research into the cultural landscape around large cities. What foreign writings dealing with the landscape affected by suburbanization. How does suburbanization manifest itself in your area and how does it affect the landscape?
Outcomes:
The report about the approach and the protection of cultural and historical values (buildings, attributes, structures,…) in your country.
Pre-Columbian Architecture
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies
Topic Overview:
Pre-Columbian architecture enjoys constant worldwide interest of researchers, professionals, and the public. There are currently many new discoveries of pre-Columbian civilizations in Brazil, but the world public is not sufficiently informed about them, among other things, due to the language barrier. The work should contribute both to making new Brazilian discoveries accessible to the world public and to the study of the development of urban buildings and architecture in a global context.
Tasks:
The aim of the thesis will be to search for and process information about current (archaeological) discoveries of pre-Columbian architecture and urbanism, to collect information about them and to process them comprehensively in English.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Research report.
Soft Densification Strategies for Czech Republic Suburbs
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Building Theory
Topic Overview:
Densification of existing settlements and urban sprawl limitation is accepted worldwide as a necessity to ensure sustainable development. At the same time, Europe is experiencing a severe housing affordability crisis, thus it is necessary to look for other forms of housing in already built-up environment. This research focuses on suburbia – satellite municipalities around larger cities, defined as a separate settlement unit distinct from the compact city by space and transport, which experienced a massive expansion after the fall of socialism in 1989 in the Czech Republic. These suburbs have very low population densities and are experiencing a need for regeneration, as well as the need to adapt housing to the ageing population.
The term “soft densification” has been established in European countries to describe the incremental increase in density that occurs on private plots and is mainly initiated by the dwellers themselves. Soft densification includes a wide range of modifications of existing buildings – renovations, house or plot subdivisions, extensions, excavations, conversions, and infills – to increase the residential capacity in the built-up area.
Soft densification could bring more diversity in housing typologies and help suburban regeneration, without the expansion of settlement areas. However, correct planning and regulation of soft densification is a long-term, complex, and multi-criterial process as it affects all four pillars of sustainability and is driven by the residents themselves.
Tasks:
Spatial analysis of chosen Prague suburban areas – size, proportion, indexes, densities, house location, privacy degree.
Requirements:
AutoCAD, work with map documents, basics in urban planning.
Outcomes:
Report of spatial capacities for transformational interventions and new infill structures. Possibly publication.
References:
Bibby, P., Henneberry, J. & Halleux, J.-M., 2020. Under the radar? ‘Soft’ residential densification in England, 2001–2011. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 47(1), pp.102-118.
Dvořáková, N. & Horňáková, M., 2021. Retiring in the suburbs? Residential strategies in two Prague suburbs. Geografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography, 121(2), pp.114-127.
Touati-Morel, A., 2015. Hard and Soft Densification Policies in the Paris City-Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH, 39(3), pp.603-612.
OECD, 2021. Housing Affordability in Cities in the Czech Republic, Paris: OECD Publishing.
Plant Vitality Mapping & Soil/Canopy Moisture Assessments Using Earth Observation Data
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
The objective is to set up a methodical workflow for scaling methods, such as detailed monitoring of plant stress/vitality and moisture content, combining different Earth observation (EO) imagery types at various spatiotemporal scale levels. The aim is to develop methodology and process data in order to (a) obtain information on the current tree/plant species and health condition (stress); (b) detect and repeatedly map biotic and abiotic disturbances; (c) estimate soil/canopy water content; (d) fuse EO data acquired at various altitude-levels in order to manage imagery scaling to achieve the most effective results; (e) and utilise the benefits arising from the use of multi-sensor recording at various spatial scales (satellites, aircraft, UAVs, and in-situ measurements).
POSSIBLE DATA (depending on specific deal with student):
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR), Sentinel-3 (TIR);
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR);
PlanetScope (VNIR);
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR);
In-situ climatic sensors, Field surveys, and Ground data from forest inventories.
A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (an interview is needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad, and it is possible to choose different methods, data, study scales and target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. Pre-processing and processing of space-, air-, and drone-borne data. Creating auxiliary data. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasm, critical thinking. Experience with EO data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, statistical evaluation, etc.). Skills with software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, SNAP, R..).
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processed, draft of the manuscript to be submitted to the scientific journal.
References:
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Li, Z. L., Leng, P., Zhou, C., Chen, K. S., Zhou, F. C., & Shang, G. F. (2021). Soil moisture retrieval from remote sensing measurements: Current knowledge and directions for the future. Earth-Science Reviews, 218, 103673.
Babaeian, E., Sadeghi, M., Jones, S. B., Montzka, C., Vereecken, H., & Tuller, M. (2019). Ground, proximal, and satellite remote sensing of soil moisture. Reviews of Geophysics, 57(2), 530-616.
Klouček, T., Modlinger, R., Zikmundová, M., Kycko, M., &
Komárek, J. (2024). Early detection of bark beetle infestation using UAV-borne multispectral imagery: a case study on the spruce forest in the Czech Republic. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 7, 1215734. Komárek, J., Lagner, O., & Klouček, T. (2024). UAV leaf-on, leaf-off and ALS-aided tree height: A case study on the trees in the vicinity of roads. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 93, 128229.
Notes:
Knowledge of AI-based (e.g., deep learning) methods is welcomed.
Fusion of Remote Sensing Data and Techniques for Detection of Forest Disturbances: From Satellites to Needles
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
As remote sensing (RS) is a crucial source of Earth spatial data at various scales, the ongoing climate change brings novel challenges for RS utilisation. Early detection of biotic infestation at individual trees is crucial; however, calibration and validation protocols of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still not fully utilised. Satellites are invaluable for delineating the core areas of infestation and studying the spatiotemporal dynamics across large extents. A multi-source approach integrates various platforms (satellites, aircraft, UAVs) and sensors (visible, multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, thermal and even chlorophyll fluorescence) at different scale levels and allows the most reliable complex evaluation. Therefore, the synergy of UAVs and field measurements with satellite data carries a potential for mapping and predicting the ever-increasing biotic outbreaks that have not been fully discovered. The project aims to develop an innovative RS solution linking different data types, which can contribute to more effective detection and monitoring of forest disturbances. The project aims to fill the knowledge gap in remote sensing (RS) data (i) preprocessing and its calibration for the tasks connected with forest disturbances, (ii) detection of bark beetle infestation using close-range RS, and (iii) long-term monitoring of bark beetle spreading using satellites.
REMOTE SENSING DATA:
Sentinel-1 (radar, C-band)
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR)
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
PlanetScope (VNIR)
SkySat (VNIR)
Prisma (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR, lidar)
In-situ climatic sensors
Field surveys + ground data from forest inventories A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (interview needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad and it is possible to choose different methods, different data, different study scales and different target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. pre-processing and processing input remote sensing data. Species classification and stress detection using multispectral/hyperspectral/thermal data (to be specified). Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasms, critical thinking. Experience with remote sensing data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, image spectroscopy, statistical evaluation etc.). Skills with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and image processing software (e.g., ENVI, eCognition, SNAP). Experience with programming (e.g., Java, R, and python) is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processing, help with manuscript preparation.
References:
Klouček, T., Komárek, J., Surový, P., Hrach, K., Janata, P., Vašíček, B. 2019. The Use of UAV Mounted Sensors for Precise Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation. Remote Sensing, 11, 1561, doi:10.3390/rs11131561.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Genetic Characterization of Different Oropouche and Mayaro Virus Isolates
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases
Topic Overview:
Oropouche (OROV) nad Mayaro (MAYV) viruses are important arthropod-borne pathogens endemic in various tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America. They were detected also in Brasil. As both of these viruses are causing dengue-like disease, they are almost surely undereported and many if not most cases of human infections by these viruses are missreported as dengue cases. Despite causing symilar sympoms, these viruses are evolutionary unrelated to each other as well as to dengue virus. OROV is a – ssRNA virus with segmented genome belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae, genus Bunyavirales. It is transmitted primarly by Culicoides paraensis, a biting midge, but in urban settings it can be transmitted also by synathropic mosquitoes from genera Aedes and Culex. On the other hand, MAYV is a +ssRNA virus from the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae which genome consis of only single RNA molecule. In sylvatic cycle it is tvectored by canopy-dwelling Haemagogus mosquito species but in urban cycle it use also Anopheles, Aedes, and Cullex mosquitoes.Both of these viruses are important despite neglected human pathogens.
Tasks:
The intern will collect data from GenBank, the world largest database of genetic sequences. Special attention will be focused on those OROV and MAYV isolates with high quality full genome which have known metadata such ase country and date of isolation, host from which the viruses were islated etc.. Full genome sequences of these OROV and MAYV isolates will be downloaded together with important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Downloaded genomic sequences of OROV and MAYV will be aligned and in case of OROV concatenated. Further, analyses searching for potnetial recombination signals will be detected. Recombinant viruses will be removed from further analyses and on the rest of the viruses phylogenetic and structural analysis will be performed to characterize their genetic structure and define different lineages of these viruses. Finally various ecological features (e.g., description of typical vertebrate reservoir or arthropode vectors) and genetic parameters (e.g., codon usage) will be characterized for each lineage and compared with other lineages of the same virus species.
Requirements:
Required skills – MS Excel or similar and basic skills with online bioinformatic tools (at least on the independent user level). Beneficial skills – R or Phyton.
Outcomes:
The intern(s) will produce a database of full genome sequences of OROV and MAYV isolates including important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Further they will characterize different lineages of these viruses and decribe ecological and genetic differences between them.
References:
OROV introduction: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016817022400011X?via%3Dihub;
MAYV introduction: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1038/s41426-018-0163-5;
Similar study on Dengue virus 2: https://peerj.com/articles/2326/; Introduction to phylogenetics: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/phylogenetic-handbook/A9D63A454E76A5EBCCF1119B3C56D766
Combustion Calorimetry and Its Application in Ecosystem Assessment
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology
Topic Overview:
The destructive combustion calorimetry method is one of the methodological possibilities in biological sciences. Using calorimetry, interspecies and interorgan organ differences in the rate of primary and secondary metabolism can be determined. Generally, the lower energy content is usually that of vegetative organs in comparison with the generative organs, whereas stems or leaves have a similar composition of organic matter and a relatively high proportion of ash matter; therefore, their calorific content fluctuates less than in the reproductive organs. This is also suitable for utilizing solar energy of plant leaves, harmful thermometers utilizing sunlight, water, and other natural resources by plants. The use of natural resources affects the composition of plants in ecosystems, which are always affected by convergence or divergence of ecological strategies between species and functional plants. Functional properties of plants may be weakened/enhanced ue to external conditions, and therefore, it is likely that from a physiological point of view it is likely to predict them, but the combustion temperature values are compromised. he combustion calorimetry method is therefore a suitable method for monitoring the development and stability of natural but also agroforestry ecosystems.
Tasks:
The intern will collect plant material at the selected location according to their interest and prepare a sample for analysis in the laboratory. The subsequent analysis of combustion heat will take place at the workplace in Prague. Processing of literary research.
Requirements:
No special skill are needed, except enthusiasm for work and sense of duty. Knowledge of botany, work in the field is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Report and presentation. Sampling in the field, Findings will contribute to the laboratory’s publication.
References:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10973-020-09961-9,
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10973-014-3716-4
Recommended for:
Students of ecology and botany programmes.
The Effect of Hazardous Substances on the Germination and Emergence of Selected Plants
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology
Topic Overview:
Heavy metal, pharmaceutical or other organic pollutants is a challenging task due to its non-degradable nature, which allows it to persist in the soil much longer than other components of the biosphere. Rapid industrialization and poor management of industrial wastewater lead to increased pollution of metals and pharmaceuticals in all components of the environment. Crops have shown varying tolerance to metal or drug stress based on their biochemical and genetic composition. Seed germination and seedling growth are important growth stages in the plant life cycle, as the number of healthy seedlings ensures greater crop growth in the field and thus higher production.
Tasks:
The intern will conduct an experiment with the germination of a selected crop in an environment contaminated with hazardous substances (e.g., hazardous metals, pharmaceuticals). It evaluates the parameters of germination and emergence of plants.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory practice. Ability to maintain and operate short-term laboratory experiments, basic knowledge of data manipulation in spreadsheets. Evaluation of the experiment.
Outcomes:
Report and presentation. Tabular data of measured germination and emergence parameters.
References:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11756-021-00952-1,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783763/,
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-019-4329-
Recommended for:
Students of plant physiology, biology, and plant cultivation programmes.
Effect of Climate Change on Plant Properties
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Botany and Plant Physiology
Topic Overview:
In field conditions, individual stressors do not act on plants separately, but always in combination, e.g. high temperature, higher intensity of sunlight and lack of water. According to some projected reports, agriculture is considered to be the most threatened activity adversely affected by climate change. Abiotic stress factors cause morphological, physiological and biochemical changes. Ultimately, they can affect product yield and quality, as well as alter visual appearance and/or nutritional value. Plant adaptation and stress mitigation are essential to increase agricultural system resilience, crop yields and quality assurance. Environmental conditions cannot be controlled and therefore there are several strategies such as agronomic techniques or breeding more tolerant cultivars. Another way to eliminate the impact of abiotic stressors is to increase the yield potential of new cultivars. The storage capacity of the spike, which stimulates the influx of assimilates into the grain in the period after anthesis, plays an important role in yield formation. Therefore, sources of genes are sought to increase the number of reproductive organs, such as the number of spikelets in an ear, the number of grains in an ear, or the number of embryos in a flower.
Tasks:
The intern will focus primarily on the processing of literature research on the given topic. An option is to set up a short-term experiment to monitor the effect of abiotic stressors (water deficit, high temperature, salinity) on the selected crop.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed, except enthusiasm for work and a sense of duty.
Outcomes:
Report and presentation. The findings will contribute to the laboratory’s publication.
References:
https://iks.ukzn.ac.za/sites/default/files/61.pdf,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004220310129 https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/agronomy/agronomy-12-00078/article_deploy/agronomy-12-00078-v2.pdf?version=164189530
Recommended for:
Students of plant physiology, biology, and plant cultivation programmes.
Epigenetic Factors of Longevity
University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Topic Overview:
DNMT3A, DNMT3B and DNMT3L are known mammalian de novo DNA methyltransferases, enzymes that methylate previously unmethylated DNA, especially in the context of developmental reprogramming. Correct establishment of DNA methylation is essential for cell differentiation and development, and maintenance of appropriate gene expression patterns and cellular identity. In some species, additional de novo DNA methylation enzymes were identified, or cell-type expression specificity of particular enzymes is altered. Therefore, the identified molecular mechanisms of de novo DNA methylation in a particular cell type or developmental stage in mouse, a classical mammalian model, cannot be easily applied to other mammalian species and various cell and developmental contexts.
Tasks:
Work with genomic sequence data in databases to identify novel de novo DNA methyltransferases in non-model mammalian species. Potentially also work with published RNA-seq datasets to analyse expression patterns of individual DNA methyltransferases.
Requirements:
Experience with work with sequence databases is beneficial, but not strictly required.
Outcomes:
Findings will contribute to publication(s) of the laboratory. Intern will be expected to prepare a file with the results.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_methylation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reprogramming
https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2012112
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17109-4
https://epigeneticsandchromatin.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13072-023-00518-2
The Presence of Mycotoxins in Wet Dog and Cat Food and Their Potential Impact on Their Health
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology
Topic Overview:
The safety and quality of feed are currently receiving more attention, both for livestock and pets such as dogs and cats, which are considered equal family members and housemates. Although most studies focus on dry pet food, wet pet food also contains key ingredients such as meat, animal by-products and grains that can be sources of mycotoxins that can adversely affect the animals’ health. Because dogs and cats typically live longer than livestock, they face a higher risk of long-term exposure to mycotoxins. Regarding mycotoxins, the Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on undesirable substances in animal feed, as amended, includes only aflatoxins and ergot alkaloids. Some other mycotoxins are covered by the European Commission recommendation 2006/576/EC on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2, HT-2 and fumonisins in products intended for animal feeding, as amanded. In the first version, the recommendation mainly covered livestock feeds, however, the newly amended recommendations have additionally begun to consider some of these mycotoxins in pet food. This underlines the growing awareness of the importance of safety for all animals, not just livestock.
This work aims to provide an overview of mycotoxins in wet food for dogs and cats and to investigate their possible impact on the animals’ health, as well as to compare the European Union legal framework in the context of countries outside the European Union.
Plant Root Mucus as an Input to Soil Organic Matter
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Topic Overview:
Soil organic matter, in a narrower sense, humic substances, has been subject of research for several centuries. Nevertheless, questions on its formation or character still have not been resolved. The traditional polymer theory seems to be replaced in the last two decades by supramolecular views, lately claims on the non-existence of the humic substances have become rampant, looking at the soil organic matter as a complex mixture of products at various degrees of the decomposition of decaying original plant or animal matter. Plants exude a mucous substance through their roots which can also contrbute to soil organic matter or soil solution.
Tasks:
Literature search on current knowledge on plant root mucus….). The search will focus on mucus compositon, including water and organics/inorganics contents, and, if available, mucus rheological or diffusion properties. An overview of papers will be written, the number of papers is not predetermined and will depend on student’s abilities.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of organic and colloid chemistry, some knowledge of soil or plant chemistry advantageous, access to some scientific database (SciFinder, Web of Science etc.).
Outcomes:
Final report on results including the overview described above.
References:
Advices will be provided at the beginning of the internship. Meantime, Web of Science or SciFinder can be consulted with keywords like root mucs AND (composition OR rheology OR diffusion).
Hydrogel Mimics of Extracellular Matrix
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Topic Overview:
Extracellular matrix is environment surrounding cells in tissues etc. Tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell cultivation and similar bioapplications calls for suitable models of the extracellular matrix. These models serve in development of, e.g., scaffolds for tissue engineering or drug delivery systems. Hydrogels can serve as suitable models due to their similarity to the extracellular matrix.
Tasks:
Literature search on recent advances (last one-two years) in hydrogels for mimicking the extracellular matrix in various application fields. Hydrogels based on biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins) should be preferred. Stress should be given on viscoelastic or transport (diffusion) properties of hydrogels, not on interactions with cells or similar primarily cell-driven papers. An overview of papers will be written (final report), the number of papers is not predetermined and will depend on student’s abilities and interests.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of biopolymer and/or colloid chemistry, access to some scientific database (SciFinder, Web of Science etc.).
Outcomes:
Final report on results including the overview described above.
References:
Advices will be provided at the beginning of the internship. Meantime, Web of Science or SciFinder can be consulted with keywords like hydrogel AND (ECM mimics).
Notes:
ECM = common abbreviation for “extracellular matrix”.
Plant Root Mucus as an Input to Soil Organic Matter
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Topic Overview:
Soil organic matter, in a narrower sense, humic substances, has been subject of research for several centuries. Nevertheless, questions on its formation or character still have not been resolved. The traditional polymer theory seems to be replaced in the last two decades by supramolecular views, lately claims on the non-existence of the humic substances have become rampant, looking at the soil organic matter as a complex mixture of products at various degrees of the decomposition of decaying original plant or animal matter. Plants exude a mucous substance through their roots which can also contrbute to soil organic matter or soil solution.
Tasks:
Literature search on current knowledge on plant root mucus….). The search will focus on mucus compositon, including water and organics/inorganics contents, and, if available, mucus rheological or diffusion properties. An overview of papers will be written, the number of papers is not predetermined and will depend on student’s abilities.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of organic and colloid chemistry, some knowledge of soil or plant chemistry advantageous, access to some scientific database (SciFinder, Web of Science etc.).
Outcomes:
Final report on results including the overview described above.
References:
Advices will be provided at the beginning of the internship. Meantime, Web of Science or SciFinder can be consulted with keywords like root mucs AND (composition OR rheology OR diffusion).
Hydrogel Mimics of Extracellular Matrix
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Topic Overview:
Extracellular matrix is environment surrounding cells in tissues etc. Tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell cultivation and similar bioapplications calls for suitable models of the extracellular matrix. These models serve in development of, e.g., scaffolds for tissue engineering or drug delivery systems. Hydrogels can serve as suitable models due to their similarity to the extracellular matrix.
Tasks:
Literature search on recent advances (last one-two years) in hydrogels for mimicking the extracellular matrix in various application fields. Hydrogels based on biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins) should be preferred. Stress should be given on viscoelastic or transport (diffusion) properties of hydrogels, not on interactions with cells or similar primarily cell-driven papers. An overview of papers will be written (final report), the number of papers is not predetermined and will depend on student’s abilities and interests.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of biopolymer and/or colloid chemistry, access to some scientific database (SciFinder, Web of Science etc.).
Outcomes:
Final report on results including the overview described above.
References:
Advices will be provided at the beginning of the internship. Meantime, Web of Science or SciFinder can be consulted with keywords like hydrogel AND (ECM mimics).
Notes:
ECM = common abbreviation for “extracellular matrix”.
Cultural Landscape in the Suburban Area of Large Settlements, Its Signs and Values
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Urban Design, Town and Regional Planning
Topic Overview:
The main goal of the supervisor’s topic is to determine the cultural-historical values and attributes of the cultural landscape in the surroudings of arge cities, which could be devalued due to suburbanization (residential and commercial).
A aparently worthless suburban landscape, at first sight showing no continuity and cultural-historical values or structures, may contain a number of historical landscape structures that manifest themselves in the landscape scene and influence the future organization or growth of the settlement. Although such a cultural landscape seems worthless, it can hide a number of values and structures that can be further used (eg. preserved old roads, along which new construction develops). This dissertation focuses on the cultural and historical values of the landscape, which may be affected by suburbanization.
Tasks:
The report of foreign research into the cultural landscape around large cities. What foreign writings dealing with the landscape affected by suburbanization. How does suburbanization manifest itself in your area and how does it affect the landscape?
Outcomes:
The report about the approach and the protection of cultural and historical values (buildings, attributes, structures,…) in your country.
Electromobility and Micromobility
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, Institute of Public Administration and Regional Studies
Topic Overview:
Electromobility and micromobility are currently major challenges for changing behavior patterns in transport and in the use of public spaces in cities. Different cities and different states have different support for these new modes of transport, as well as different impacts on public spaces and city life. Not all impacts are necessarily positive and new collisions may occur.
Tasks:
The task of the intern will be to map and document the use of new types of mobility (especially electromobility and micromobility) and their impacts on the functioning of transport, as well as the functioning of public spaces of cities and life in them, in selected territories / cities in Brazil.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Set of examples of good and bad practice.
References:
Possible readings:
Gehl, J. (2011) Life between buildings: using public space [online]. Washington: Island Press, [cit. 2022-05-05]. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/natl-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3317590. Gehl, J. Gemzøe, L. (1996) Public Spaces. Public Life. Copenhagen: The Danish Architectural Press. ISBN: 978-8774073055.
Kiba-Janiak, M. & Witkowski, J. (2019) Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans: How Do They Work?. Sustainability [online]. 11(17) [cit. 2022-04-16]. ISSN 2071-1050. Available at: doi:10.3390/su11174605.
Schrank, D., Eisele, B. And Lomax, T. (2019). 2019 Urban Mobility Report. 1. Texas, USA: The Texas A&M Transportation Institute, INRIX. Available at: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/61408#tabs-2.
Stańczyk, T. L., & Hyb, L. (2019). Technological and organisational challenges for e-mobility. Archiwum Motoryzacji, 84(2), 57–70. Available at: doi:10.14669/AM.VOL84.ART5.
Plant Vitality Mapping & Soil/Canopy Moisture Assessments Using Earth Observation Data
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
The objective is to set up a methodical workflow for scaling methods, such as detailed monitoring of plant stress/vitality and moisture content, combining different Earth observation (EO) imagery types at various spatiotemporal scale levels. The aim is to develop methodology and process data in order to (a) obtain information on the current tree/plant species and health condition (stress); (b) detect and repeatedly map biotic and abiotic disturbances; (c) estimate soil/canopy water content; (d) fuse EO data acquired at various altitude-levels in order to manage imagery scaling to achieve the most effective results; (e) and utilise the benefits arising from the use of multi-sensor recording at various spatial scales (satellites, aircraft, UAVs, and in-situ measurements).
POSSIBLE DATA (depending on specific deal with student):
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR), Sentinel-3 (TIR);
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR);
PlanetScope (VNIR);
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR);
In-situ climatic sensors, Field surveys, and Ground data from forest inventories.
A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (an interview is needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad, and it is possible to choose different methods, data, study scales and target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. Pre-processing and processing of space-, air-, and drone-borne data. Creating auxiliary data. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasm, critical thinking. Experience with EO data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, statistical evaluation, etc.). Skills with software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, SNAP, R..).
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processed, draft of the manuscript to be submitted to the scientific journal.
References:
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Li, Z. L., Leng, P., Zhou, C., Chen, K. S., Zhou, F. C., & Shang, G. F. (2021). Soil moisture retrieval from remote sensing measurements: Current knowledge and directions for the future. Earth-Science Reviews, 218, 103673.
Babaeian, E., Sadeghi, M., Jones, S. B., Montzka, C., Vereecken, H., & Tuller, M. (2019). Ground, proximal, and satellite remote sensing of soil moisture. Reviews of Geophysics, 57(2), 530-616.
Klouček, T., Modlinger, R., Zikmundová, M., Kycko, M., &
Komárek, J. (2024). Early detection of bark beetle infestation using UAV-borne multispectral imagery: a case study on the spruce forest in the Czech Republic. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 7, 1215734. Komárek, J., Lagner, O., & Klouček, T. (2024). UAV leaf-on, leaf-off and ALS-aided tree height: A case study on the trees in the vicinity of roads. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 93, 128229.
Notes:
Knowledge of AI-based (e.g., deep learning) methods is welcomed.
Fusion of Remote Sensing Data and Techniques for Detection of Forest Disturbances: From Satellites to Needles
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
As remote sensing (RS) is a crucial source of Earth spatial data at various scales, the ongoing climate change brings novel challenges for RS utilisation. Early detection of biotic infestation at individual trees is crucial; however, calibration and validation protocols of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still not fully utilised. Satellites are invaluable for delineating the core areas of infestation and studying the spatiotemporal dynamics across large extents. A multi-source approach integrates various platforms (satellites, aircraft, UAVs) and sensors (visible, multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, thermal and even chlorophyll fluorescence) at different scale levels and allows the most reliable complex evaluation. Therefore, the synergy of UAVs and field measurements with satellite data carries a potential for mapping and predicting the ever-increasing biotic outbreaks that have not been fully discovered. The project aims to develop an innovative RS solution linking different data types, which can contribute to more effective detection and monitoring of forest disturbances. The project aims to fill the knowledge gap in remote sensing (RS) data (i) preprocessing and its calibration for the tasks connected with forest disturbances, (ii) detection of bark beetle infestation using close-range RS, and (iii) long-term monitoring of bark beetle spreading using satellites.
REMOTE SENSING DATA:
Sentinel-1 (radar, C-band)
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR)
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
PlanetScope (VNIR)
SkySat (VNIR)
Prisma (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR, lidar)
In-situ climatic sensors
Field surveys + ground data from forest inventories A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (interview needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad and it is possible to choose different methods, different data, different study scales and different target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. pre-processing and processing input remote sensing data. Species classification and stress detection using multispectral/hyperspectral/thermal data (to be specified). Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasms, critical thinking. Experience with remote sensing data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, image spectroscopy, statistical evaluation etc.). Skills with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and image processing software (e.g., ENVI, eCognition, SNAP). Experience with programming (e.g., Java, R, and python) is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processing, help with manuscript preparation.
References:
Klouček, T., Komárek, J., Surový, P., Hrach, K., Janata, P., Vašíček, B. 2019. The Use of UAV Mounted Sensors for Precise Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation. Remote Sensing, 11, 1561, doi:10.3390/rs11131561.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Genetic Characterization of Different Oropouche and Mayaro Virus Isolates
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases
Topic Overview:
Oropouche (OROV) nad Mayaro (MAYV) viruses are important arthropod-borne pathogens endemic in various tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America. They were detected also in Brasil. As both of these viruses are causing dengue-like disease, they are almost surely undereported and many if not most cases of human infections by these viruses are missreported as dengue cases. Despite causing symilar sympoms, these viruses are evolutionary unrelated to each other as well as to dengue virus. OROV is a – ssRNA virus with segmented genome belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae, genus Bunyavirales. It is transmitted primarly by Culicoides paraensis, a biting midge, but in urban settings it can be transmitted also by synathropic mosquitoes from genera Aedes and Culex. On the other hand, MAYV is a +ssRNA virus from the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae which genome consis of only single RNA molecule. In sylvatic cycle it is tvectored by canopy-dwelling Haemagogus mosquito species but in urban cycle it use also Anopheles, Aedes, and Cullex mosquitoes.Both of these viruses are important despite neglected human pathogens.
Tasks:
The intern will collect data from GenBank, the world largest database of genetic sequences. Special attention will be focused on those OROV and MAYV isolates with high quality full genome which have known metadata such ase country and date of isolation, host from which the viruses were islated etc.. Full genome sequences of these OROV and MAYV isolates will be downloaded together with important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Downloaded genomic sequences of OROV and MAYV will be aligned and in case of OROV concatenated. Further, analyses searching for potnetial recombination signals will be detected. Recombinant viruses will be removed from further analyses and on the rest of the viruses phylogenetic and structural analysis will be performed to characterize their genetic structure and define different lineages of these viruses. Finally various ecological features (e.g., description of typical vertebrate reservoir or arthropode vectors) and genetic parameters (e.g., codon usage) will be characterized for each lineage and compared with other lineages of the same virus species.
Requirements:
Required skills – MS Excel or similar and basic skills with online bioinformatic tools (at least on the independent user level). Beneficial skills – R or Phyton.
Outcomes:
The intern(s) will produce a database of full genome sequences of OROV and MAYV isolates including important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Further they will characterize different lineages of these viruses and decribe ecological and genetic differences between them.
References:
OROV introduction: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016817022400011X?via%3Dihub;
MAYV introduction: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1038/s41426-018-0163-5;
Similar study on Dengue virus 2: https://peerj.com/articles/2326/; Introduction to phylogenetics: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/phylogenetic-handbook/A9D63A454E76A5EBCCF1119B3C56D766
Environmental Security
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Environmental security is currently perceived as one of the important areas of science and research. Although it is a term that has been used in the literature since the early 1970s, there is still no consensus on how to define this term precisely. One of the possible concepts that the international group of experts has evaluated as the most concise so far is that environmental security means ensuring the relative safety (through maximum risk elimination) of the population from the devastating consequences of natural or anthropogenic processes. Both domestic and cross-border risks need to be taken into account. The aim of this internship is to help with literature review for the purpose of innovation of lectures and publication outputs.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Environmental Security. Global task is to prepare a draft of Article – review summarizing different approaches to environmental security.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalal Studies. The ability to work with scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is required.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Modern Technologies for Teaching Environmental and Agroecological Studies
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Teaching and learning methods are constantly improving, relying more and more on modern technology. Schools and universities of 21st century are now able to implement various types of educational technology, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), robotics, 3D printers, mobile devices, smart classrooms etc. The aim of thies internship is to help to find suitable technologies for teaching Environmentalistics and Agroecology at the university level and summerize them in a review.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Modern technologies for teaching Environmental Sciences and Agroecology.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalistics, Agroecology, Landcape Ecology etc. The ability to work with quality online sources and scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is necessary.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Climate-smart technology supports food security and a sustainable environment. It is an answer to the effects of climate change which make agricultural development more challenging than ever before. Climate-smart production depends on technology transformation and a modern skilled workforce. Currently, it is very important to support innovation in agriculture by developing modern digital learning materials in the context of the EU Green Deal. There is a need to ensure that current and future professionals in the sector have the required key skills and competences, including through the development of innovative and blended learning programmes. The aim of this internship is to help with quality literature review for the purpose of innovation of lectures and publication outputs.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Climate-Smart agriculture . Global task is to prepare a review summarizing different approaches to ”climate-smart agriculture”.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalistics, Agroecology. Climatology, Agriculture etc. High ability to work with scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is required.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Measuring Sustainable Development
Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Department of Development and Environmental Studies
Topic Overview:
The topic responds to Sustainable Development Goals’ target “to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product”. These efforts are also called “Beyond GDP” and cover conceptualizing and measuring various aspects of sustainable development. Some subtopics (including links to selected literature) are listed below.
Tasks:
The intern would serve as a research assistant. Depending on the topic I will be working on and the research phase, the tasks may include, for example, literature review and data analysis.
Requirements:
Suitable for economics students with interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental and development studies. Diligence and analytical thinking are necessary. Knowledge of statistical methods is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Will be determined at the beginning of the internship (likely a literature review).
References:
- “Beyond GDP” measurement and institutionalization (Stiglitz et al., 2009; Blanchflower and Bryson, 2023; van den Bergh, 2022) –
- Composite metrics of sustainability and sustainable development (Syrovátka, 2020; Hickel, 2020)
- Safe and just space (Fanning et al., 2022; Alleisa and Bakshi, 2023; Gupta et al., 2023)
- Sustainable Development Goals (Hametner, 2022; van Vuuren et al., 2022)
A Case Study in Ant Colony Optimisation
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) represents a typical NP-complete optimisation problem whose computational requirements grows exponentially with increasing the dimension of the problem, i.e. the number of cities that the traveling salesman needs to visit. No general efficient algorithm exists that would guarantee to provide optimal solution in a reasonable time. In most cases the optimal solution for a given problem instance is not known at all. There are various stochastic techniques available (e.g. evolutionary algorithms, ant systems, particle swarm optimisation etc) allowing us to obtain (sub)optimal solutions in a reasonable time which is often acceptable for practical purposes. The goal of this project is to implement (according to a selected existing study) a system for the optimisation of various TSP instances and to try to tune it (by introducing your own ideas) in order to obtain interesting results for TSP instances “as complex as possible”. The results should be evaluated statistically and compared with those presented in the original study.
Task:
1. Familiarise yourself with the TSP, methods and problems of its solution. For example, see the video in [1].
2. Also acquire basic principles of Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), recommended introductory and overview resource is [2]. Make a review of recent ACO literature (since 2018 if possible) and try to choose ONE article regarding the TSP optimisation by means of an arbitrary variant of ACO. If unsure, ask your supervisor.
3. Create an implementation of the system presented in the article, try to repeat the original experiment(s) and evaluate statistically the obtained results. The supervisor may provide you with a simple Python-based ACO optimiser that you may utilise as a basis for your impplementation.
4. After tuning your initial implementation (that should provide some good results corresponding those presented in the article), try to introduce a modification of the ACO the aim of which will be to improve the results or to verify your own ideas. Experiment with various ACO settings, perform your own set(s) of experiments and make a comparative study evaluating the performance of the algorithms and the quality of the resulting TSP solutions. Hint: The modification may include the problem representation and/or the ACO algorithm itself. Apply your own creativity, inspire yourself on the Internet, in the literature or during discussions with your supervisor.
Requirements:
Interest in experimental work, creativity and sense of thoroughness and preciseness. Programming skills mainly using existing frameworks and libraries (C/C++, Python or others).
Outcomes:
A presentation or technical report summarizing the methods and obtained results + the ACO implementation.
References:
[1] The Traveling Salesman Problem: When Good Enough Beats Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiDsjIBOVoA
[2] M. Dorigo and T. Stützle: Ant Colony Optimization. The MIT Press, 2004, URL with pdf version available: https://web2.qatar.cmu.edu/~gdicaro/15382/additional/aco-book.pdf
Profiling of Embedded Applications
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is “Profiling of Embedded Applications” and it is practically oriented. Expected results of the internship will represent a solid base for deeper analysis of real embedded systems, especially for studying an impact of various development techniques/means and obtaining data, e.g., for validation of existing models or for research publications.
Task:
1. Familiarize yourself with basic terms and principles related to embedded systems as well as with basic development aspects of embedded applications. Summarize your knowledge into a short report.
2. Perform a research in the area of profiling of embedded applications – summarize key terms, concepts and instruments available in software (such as SystemView or FreeMaster) or hardware (such as ARM’s DWT unit) for various platforms.
3. Choose an embedded platform (e.g., ARM), operating system (e.g., FreeRTOS) and a profiler (e.g., FreeMaster). Use them to create a simple embedded application and profile it.
4. Based on the agreement with the supervisor, prepare a set of non-trivial embedded applications and prepare a framework for their profiling.
5. Apply the profiling chain of your framework to the set of embedded applications in order to evaluate and present the profiling results to a user.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with the development of embedded systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Profiling results for the set of embedded applications and a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start to study materials for FREEMASTER: FreeMASTER Run-Time Debugging Tool (e.g., video tutorials in the TRAINING & SUPPORT section at https://www.nxp.com/design/software/development-software/freemaster-run-time-debugging-tool:FREEMASTER), SEGGER SystemView (e.g., video tutorials in the Video and SystemView Media parts at https://www.segger.com/products/development-tools/systemview/), uC/Probe (http://micrium.com/probe/uC-Probe- UsersManual.pdf), MCUXpresso SWO Trace (https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/training-reference-material/AMF-SOL-ADVANCED-DEBUG-MCUXPRESSO-IDE-PRESENTATION.pdf, https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/quick-reference-guide/MCUXpresso_IDE_SWO_Trace.pdf) and/or materials to similar instruments.
Schedulability Analysis of Real-Time Tasks under Uncertainty
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is is about modelling, simulation and model checking of a special class of systems. Expected results of the internship will represent a solid base for better schedulability analysis of real-time systems at the task level.
Task:
1. Do a research in the area of modelling and analyzing properties of real-time systems; especially, focus on schedulability analysis of real-time tasks.
2. Identify sources of uncertainty with regard to real-time systems and tasks. Make a survey of methods and tools for real-time task schedulability analysis as well as of approaches to the schedulability analysis problem under uncertainty.
3. Summarize key terms and concepts of the Statistical Model Checking (SMC) technique. Identify SMC means suitable for modelling sets of real-time tasks as well as for evaluating their schedulability under uncertainty; do a research in this area.
4. Propose the flow of the real-time task schedulability analysis process based on SMC. Discuss real-time task sets and uncertainty scenarios for checking the applicability of the process and evaluating it. Present your approach to modeling real-time tasks under uncertainty.
5. Create models of sufficiently representative sets of real-time tasks in order to check their schedulability by means of SMC in various uncertainty conditions.
6. Evaluate your approach and discuss it critically from the applicability, validity and scalability viewpoints.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with modelling and analysis of systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Models of representative systems, i.e., real-time task sets and non/preemptive task schedulers, experimental results and a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start here:
http://people.cs.aau.dk/~adavid/smc/index.html,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16561-0_21.
Deployment of Machine Learning Outputs on Embedded Platforms
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is is about the usage and properties of the machine learning processes applied in the context of embedded, often very resource-limited, platforms. Results of the internship can enhance existing solutions to many practical problems, to enhance their parameters/properties, to propose a new solution for solved problems, to identify further prospective application areas etc.
Task:
1.Summarize i) key terms and concepts in the field of Machine Learning (ML) and ii) ML instruments applicable in the area of embedded systems; especially, focus yourself on microcontroller (MCU) based ML solutions (e.g., TinyML, TensorFlow Lite Micro, OONX, CMSIS-NN, ARM NN, eIQ, Edge Impulse, MATLAB and Simulink for Edge AI) in the context of resource-limited platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or ARM Cortex-M.
2. Do a literature review in the field of ML solutions as well as in the field of their applications, platforms used, results they achieved etc.
3. Choose an embedded, MCU based, system, a representative (your own, an existing etc.) problem solvable by ML on the system and ML means to implement your solution.
4. Implement a solution from the item 3, check its basic usability and properties.
5. Make a set of experiments to show how attributes (e.g., memory footprint, latency) of the solution depend on the target platform, configuration etc.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with machine learning and embedded systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Representative ML model(s) and their evaluation in the context of their deployment on embedded platforms, a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start here:
https://edgeimpulse.com/,
https://paperswithcode.com/task/anomaly-detection,
https://paperswithcode.com/dataset/toyadmos,
https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/274322308/ A_Primer_for_tinyML_Predictive_Maintenance_Input_and_Model_Optimisation.pdf.
AI in Smart Services in Manufacturing
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Manufacturers provide both basic and advanced services for their products. Advanced services include, for example, remote monitoring, repair, predictive maintenance. Some companies are starting to use AI tools for advanced services as well.
Tasks:
To explore how manufacturers can incorporate AI tools to their smart services. Specifically, student would be engaged in further exploration among manufacturers in Brazil. S/he could help with literature review.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel.
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Notes:
Recommended for Students of Electronic Engineering or Economy/Marketing.
Identification and Mitigation of Threats and Vulnerabilities of Modern Machine Learning Systems
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Information Technologies
Topic Overview:
The work will examine various aspects of the harmful potential of artificial intelligence, that is, the approaches and procedures of artificial intelligence that can be the cause of attacks, and the possibilities of prevention and defence against them. Many of the possible approaches to prevent and defend against vulnerabilities from malicious AI applications must also be based on AI approaches and practices. The research will therefore be focused on both the aforementioned aspects of artificial intelligence applications and on solving typical problems of vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence systems.
Tasks:
Work closely with the supervisor to gather and analyze pertinent professional resources, creation of a comprehensive overview study centered around the designated subject.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of AI programming is advantageous.
Outcomes:
Systematic review, draft of a publication, software.
References:
HU, Yupeng, et al. Artificial intelligence security: threats and countermeasures. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 2021, 55.1: 1-36.
Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Cryptography
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Information Technologies
Topic Overview:
In this internship, we will explore and conduct research on the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) method. Building upon the latest advancements in the field, we will investigate novel applications of quantum secure communication and explore alternative uses for QKD transmitters and receivers. Our primary focus will be on quantifying the security level in quantum communication systems and enhancing the robustness of this technology to meet future demands.
Tasks:
Work closely with the supervisor to gather and analyze pertinent professional resources, creation of a comprehensive overview study centered around the designated subject.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of programming (Python) is advantageous.
Outcomes:
Systematic review, draft of a publication, model, software.
References:
SCARANI, Valerio, et al. The security of practical quantum key distribution. Reviews of modern physics, 2009, 81.3: 1301-1350. DERVISEVIC, Emir, et al. Quantum Key Distribution Networks–Key Management: A Survey. arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.04580, 2024.
Development of Educational Materials for a Beginner’s AI Course in Python
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python. The offline mode of internship is preferred.
Tasks:
1. Create basic educational examples in Python to use AI using the PyTorch library.
2. The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python.
3. Devising basic examples suitable for training industrial engineers in AI using the PyTorch library.
4. Creating the datasets needed for the examples.
5. Creation of step-by-step study materials for use in a basic Python course.
Requirements:
Python. Technical thinking.
Outcomes:
Publication.
MATLAB Examples
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
Matlab examples – participate in course development related to Matlab programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in Matlab environment. Examples should be from the technical field. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and testing.
Requirements:
Know how to work with MS Office tools (Word, Excel), know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a simple problem, basic knowledge of Matlab programming.
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
C# - Object Oriented Programming
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
C# examples – participation in course development focused on C# programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in the C# environment oriented on the principle of object-oriented programming – inheritance, etc. Examples should have technical character. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and their testing.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of C# programming, know how to work with MS Office tools, know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a problem, create a simple form application in an object-oriented programming system, create simple algorithms for technical calculations, express an algorithm in a graphical way
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
2D Monte Carlo Simulation of a Set of Vortex Points with Scalable Background Noise
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
2D Monte Carlo simulation of a set of vortex points with scalable background noise like random walk problem.
Tasks:
Work in language C#.
Requirements:
Knowledge of language C#.
Outcomes:
Article.
Analytical Solution and Stability Analysis of Infinite Set of Differential Equations
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Analytical solution and stability analysis of infinite set of differential equations in form of dx_(i,j)/dt = y_(i,j+1) – y_(i,j-1) and dy_(i)/dt = -x_(i+1,j) – x_(i-1,j).
Outcomes:
Article.
Preparation of 3D Geometry of Printable Models
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Preparation of 3D geometry of printable models of several types of water pumps for educational purposes.
Tasks:
Work with open-source program OpenSCAD.
Requirements:
Knowledge of OpenSCAD.
Outcomes:
Printed model.
AI in Smart Services in Manufacturing
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Manufacturers provide both basic and advanced services for their products. Advanced services include, for example, remote monitoring, repair, predictive maintenance. Some companies are starting to use AI tools for advanced services as well.
Tasks:
To explore how manufacturers can incorporate AI tools to their smart services. Specifically, student would be engaged in further exploration among manufacturers in Brazil. S/he could help with literature review.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel.
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Recommended For:
Students of Electronic Engineering or Economy/Marketing.
Visual Smog
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Visual smog is used to describe the filling of public space with aesthetically undesirable objects and advertisements. In a broader context, it refers to anything that negatively affects a person’s view of a public space, such as littered trash on the street, overly garish colours on building facades, overhead power lines, poles, structures, traffic signs, railings, etc. According to some experts, visual smog negatively affects drivers’ attention on roads and highways and the living and health conditions of people, especially in cities.
Tasks:
To explore (based on questionnaire analysis) how visual smog affects us (also students as customers). Specifically, student could be engaged in a questionnaire construction and design and its further distribution among respondents. Furthermore, s/he would be responsible conducting questionnaire analysis and finally, editing answers using MS Excel. S/he could help with literature review or publication also.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel, knowledge of marketing (promotion).
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Recommended For:
Students of Economy/Marketing.
Market Segmentation and Market Research
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Market segmentation is a method of marketing management that deals with market analysis and research, where a company tries to know and analyze the structure of the market where it wants to offer its product or service. Market segmentation is the division of the entire market into individual groups of customers that the company wants to attract with its product. The target segments differ from each other in their needs, characteristics and buying behaviour. The individual customer segments should be as homogeneous as possible, but as different from each other as possible – heterogeneous.
The topic focuses on the optimal division of customer segments according to various characteristics. The main objective is to do research and describe the appropriate procedure for determining the target group of customers and a description of a typical customer of a given segment (pesrona). Emphasis will be placed on using common sense and defining when statistical methods should be used.
The topic focuses on the optimal division of customer segments according to various characteristics. The main objective is to do research and describe the appropriate procedure for determining the target group of customers and a description of a typical customer of a given segment (pesrona). Emphasis will be placed on using common sense and defining when statistical methods should be used.
Product and Process Innovation – Customer Requirements
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Globalization and the expansion of the internet has allowed many companies to enter the global market. This, however, for companies is an entry into a highly competitive, complex, ever-changing environment that requires the ability to react quickly and adapt to these changes. All these conditions have a significant impact on innovation process.
The innovation team must be able not only to devise creative solutions to the customer’s requirements, but also to create a customized product with clearly technically measurable attributes. In this context, the team needs to be able to work autonomously, respond flexibly to change and be oriented towards a common goal.
The main objective is to conduct research on the innovation process and especially on the acquisition and processing of customer requirements.
The innovation team must be able not only to devise creative solutions to the customer’s requirements, but also to create a customized product with clearly technically measurable attributes. In this context, the team needs to be able to work autonomously, respond flexibly to change and be oriented towards a common goal.
The main objective is to conduct research on the innovation process and especially on the acquisition and processing of customer requirements.
Design Thinking and House of Quality
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Brown (2008) defines design thinking as “an approach that uses design sensibilities and methods to create technologically feasible solutions with market potential and added customer value based on human needs and appropriate business strategy.” It is a quality planning method based on the matrix diagram principle. The quality house enables the transformation of vague customer requirements into measurable product characteristics (attributes). These attributes are technical in nature and are designed by R&D engineers.
The main objective is to conduct research on design thinking process and house of quality, compare these two methods and identify their advantages and disadvantages.
Decision Making and Software Tools for Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
The current business environment is characterized by a gradual transition or change from individual forms of organization to common forms of network functioning of firms. This transformation affects all areas of the company as well as all business processes. This makes the management and decision-making processes of any enterprise a much more complex and demanding discipline. The assignment of the project is oriented towards the identification of potential topics and trends in the field of software decision support against the background of dynamically growing possibilities of using various software tools (e.g. dynamic and process simulation, etc.) or technological possibilities (e.g. robotics and robotic process automation etc.) or management approaches (e.g. process and data analytics, etc.) in the field of operations and supply chain management.
Tasks:
Research of existing literature (i. e. bibliometric analysis), analysis of software tools for modelling, simulation and automation of decision-making processes and their application to operations and supply chain management in different contexts and industries (i.e. literature review, concept analysis, definition of main areas for future research, case study or illustration of best practices, methodology design, etc.).
Requirements:
Office 365/MS Office is required. Basics understanding of business process theory. General knowledge of simulation is welcome.
Outcomes:
Literature review, case study or presentation.
References:
Karlsson, C (ed.) 2024, Research Methods for Operations and Supply Chain Management. 3. edn, Routledge, Abingdon. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003315001.
Notes:
An interdisciplinary theme.
Participation and Position of Brazil in the Global Value Chains
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Department of Agricultural Economics and Policy
Topic Overview:
World trade and production are increasingly structured around “global value chains” (GVCs). A value chain identifies the full range of activities that firms undertake to bring a product or a service from its conception to its end use by final consumers. Technological progress, cost, access to resources and markets and trade policy reforms have facilitated the geographical fragmentation of production processes across the globe according to the comparative advantage of the locations. The aim of this internship is to teach the student how to use new type of data that is currently available and analyse/evaluate countries integration into the GVC.
Tasks:
To analyse participation and position of Brazil in the Global Value Chains using Trade in value added database and relevant methods.
Requirements:
Background in economics, international trade theories, Excel.
Outcomes:
Presentation + conference paper.
References:
Trade in value added: https://www.oecd.org/sti/ind/measuring-trade-in-value-added.htm
Firm-Bank Relationships
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Finance
Topic Overview:
Identifying effects of firm-bank relationships on firm financial constraints.
Tasks:
Analyzing microdata from Orbis database, merging firm and bank data, identifying ownership structure using pre-programmed script, merging individual and unstructured data.
Requirements:
Knowledge about microeconometrics, advanced data processing, programming in Stata and other software, advanced knowledge of panel regression analyzes.
Outcomes:
Publication.
References:
The role of bank relationships when firms are financially distressed, Journal of Banking and Finance,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378426616000121 International strategy and business groups: A review and future research agenda, Journal of World Business,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090951616301833
International Comparison of Accounting and Tax Regulation
University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Faculty of Law, Department of Financial Law and National Economy
Topic Overview:
The student will participate on a project that is aimed at comparison of tax and accounting regulation in different countries, especially EU Member States. They will work partly individually, partly, during the semester, there will be a team of students working on the project, both from the Czech Republic and from other EU Member states (mostly Erasmus+ students who are on student exchange stay).
Tasks:
The students will participate in partial projects to create a comparative case study in a specific tax or accounting problem. The problem will be solved from the point of view of different national systems. The purpose is to find situations, where there is a very different tax treatment in the same situation. The student will work partly individually and they are encouraged to bring their own ideas of problems they would like to work on (on comparison of Brazilian and Czech tax systems in the particular area). The students might also work in small groups, each student will work on the case study from the perspective of his/her home country tax system.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of MS Office package, knowledge of Brazilian tax system, specialization in financial, especially accounting and tax law appreciated.
Outcomes:
Partial outcomes of the project will be published as articles or conference papers and/or UNIGOU proceedings. In the long run, the book comparing Brazilian and Czech perspectives will be published.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Administration
Topic Overview:
CSR = a type of business self-regulation with the aim of being socially accountable. There is no one “right” way companies can practice CSR; many corporate CSR initiatives strive to positively contribute to the public, the economy or the environment.
Sustainability (topics: metal recovery, wetlands).
Tasks:
Literature review – global case studies of companies within the EU and all over the World; comparison of different types of industry (focusing then mainly on chemical industry and mining); social, economic and environmental issues; reporting; LCA; sustainability; setting hypotheses and verifying/rejecting them; statistics and overviews.
Requirements:
General knowledge of CSR/Sustainability, interest in the issue, statistics.
Outcomes:
Literature review, report.
References:
Voluntary:
Asbury, S. 2016. Practical Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility. EAN: 9781138901841, ISBN: 1138901849.
Taylor & Francis Ltd. Blowfield, M. 2019. Corporate Social Responsibility. EAN: 9780198797753. Oxford University Press.
Other books/articles devoted to CSR.
Measuring Sustainable Development
Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Department of Development and Environmental Studies
Topic Overview:
The topic responds to Sustainable Development Goals’ target “to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product”. These efforts are also called “Beyond GDP” and cover conceptualizing and measuring various aspects of sustainable development. Some subtopics (including links to selected literature) are listed below.
Tasks:
The intern would serve as a research assistant. Depending on the topic I will be working on and the research phase, the tasks may include, for example, literature review and data analysis.
Requirements:
Suitable for economics students with interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental and development studies. Diligence and analytical thinking are necessary. Knowledge of statistical methods is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Will be determined at the beginning of the internship (likely a literature review).
References:
- “Beyond GDP” measurement and institutionalization (Stiglitz et al., 2009; Blanchflower and Bryson, 2023; van den Bergh, 2022)
- Composite metrics of sustainability and sustainable development (Syrovátka, 2020; Hickel, 2020)
- Safe and just space (Fanning et al., 2022; Alleisa and Bakshi, 2023; Gupta et al., 2023)
- Sustainable Development Goals (Hametner, 2022; van Vuuren et al., 2022)
Opportunities and Challenges of Human-AI Interaction in the Knowledge Work
Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of Economic and Managerial Studies
Topic Overview:
The intersection of human-generative AI interaction in knowledge work offers a dual landscape of opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it promises heightened productivity through task automation, data-driven insights, and tailored collaboration, fostering innovation and creativity. On the other hand, ethical concerns, the need for effective human-AI collaboration, skill shifts, potential job displacement, and reliability issues pose significant challenges. Striking a balance between these aspects is crucial, demanding thoughtful navigation to harness AI’s potential while ensuring workforce well-being, ethical considerations, and sustained productivity in knowledge-intensive environments. Workplaces will experience changes in ways of working and redefinition of job roles, which may cause job insecurity, high staff turnover, increased stress and various types of anxiety related to technology or AI. The research objective will be to use a questionnaire survey and interviews to find out what barriers and opportunities knowledge workers perceive when interacting with generative language models and what this implies for human resource management.
Tasks:
- Search for suitable respondents;
- Sending out questionnaires;
- Conducting online interviews;
- Transcribing interviews;
- Literature review.
Requirements:
- Basic orientation in business and management;
- Ability to work systematically;
- Good communication in English;
- Interest in self-development;
- Interest in AI (generative linguistic models);
- Advantage of contact to knowledge workers using AI-powered tools in practice.
Outcomes:
- Literature review on human-AI interaction in management;
- Completed survey 50-100 respondents;
- 5-10 in-depth interviews;
- Research report / article.
References:
- Arslan, A., Cooper, C., Khan, Z. Golgeci, I., & Ali, I. (2022). Artificial intelligence and human workers interaction at team level: a conceptual assessment of the challenges and potential HRM strategies. International Journal of Manpower, 43(1). 75–88. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-01-2021-0052
- Bughwar, P., Malik, A., De Silva, T. M. T., & Thevisuthan, P. (2022). Artificial intelligence – challenges and opportunities for international HRM: a review and research agenda. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 33(6), 1065–1097. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2022.2035161
- Dwivedi, Y. K. et al. (2023). Opinion Paper: “So what if ChatGPT wrote it?” Multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities, challenges and implications of generative conversational AI for research, practice and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 71, 102642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102642
- Jarrahi, M. H., Askay, D., Eshraghi, A., & Smith, P. (2023). Artificial intelligence and knowledge management: A partnership between human and AI. Business Horizons, 66(1), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2022.03.002
- Malik, A., Budhwar, P., & Kazmi, B. A. (2023). Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted HRM: Towards an extended strategic framework. Human Resource Management Review, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2022.100940
Geopark As a Geotourism Destination – Its Contribution and Potential For Sustainable Development of Both Urban and Rural Areas
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
Due to their multidisciplinary, geoparks can engage persons with different qualifications, interests and competencies and improve life quality both in urban and rural areas, stressing the role of education and nature conservation.
Involving and empowering local and Indigenous people in geoparks activities is essential, and the academic results of geosciences need to be shared with them. But equally, the contribution of local and Indigenous knowledge to the sustainable development of geoparks should be valued.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), writing up journal article with the supervisor/s,
- Processing a power point presentation, compilation of comparative studies and databases,
- Participation in the topic-related online /hybrid events (4GEON project).
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor
- Power point presentation
- Comparative studies
- Ethnographic case studies of Indigenous people in geoparks and their Indigenous knowledge (interviews)
- Databases of 4 GEON geoparks
- Or other agreed outcomes
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/
Geopark as a Place of Popularization of Earth Heritage – Promotion, Interpretation and Gamification of Geological Heritage
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
The basic theses of the interpretation of the geological heritage are usually published in professional (impact) journals, which, due to their character, publication and citation practices, are comprehensible only to a small number of narrowly focused experts. However, it is a matter of skill that can be mastered through study and practice to interpret the same knowledge also to a wider circle of people interested in the natural sciences and the general spread of education. Currently, it can be considered probable that most of the population knows about the most powerful geological events (earthquakes, dense gravity currents, volcanism, floods…) from the web (YouTube, Pinterest), but cannot recognize the material remains of these events in the surrounding nature. Graduated geologists can learn this ability and develop it to a professional level in suitable natural and social conditions (=geoparks, national parks, etc.). The specific implementation can then take the form of excursions, lectures, information brochures, posters, web resources, etc.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), focused on the perception of geological heritage and past life among children of different ages, in different cultures,
- Application of the acquired knowledge in the creation of image content for the social networks Pinterest (https:cz.pinterest.com/4geon/), Nightcafe (https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON) and Geoedugameweb (https://www.geoedugame.com/),
- Proposal of the simple games and contests or other gamification elements for popularization/ interpretation of the geological heritage,
- Writing journal article.
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor/s
- Power point presentations, comparative studies
- Graphic and text documents for Pinterest and Nightcafe
- Games created for visitors (gamification)..
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/,
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON
Industry 5.0 and Its Impact on Ergonomics, Work Physiology and Occupational Health and Safety
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
Industry 5.0 and its impact on ergonomics, work physiology and occupational health and safety.
Tasks:
Conducting a literature search on the issue, creating a literature review, joint publication.
Outcomes:
Literature review, publication.
Cultural Landscape in the Suburban Area of Large Settlements, Its Signs and Values
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Urban Design, Town and Regional Planning
Topic Overview:
The main goal of the supervisor’s topic is to determine the cultural-historical values and attributes of the cultural landscape in the surroudings of arge cities, which could be devalued due to suburbanization (residential and commercial).
A aparently worthless suburban landscape, at first sight showing no continuity and cultural-historical values or structures, may contain a number of historical landscape structures that manifest themselves in the landscape scene and influence the future organization or growth of the settlement. Although such a cultural landscape seems worthless, it can hide a number of values and structures that can be further used (eg. preserved old roads, along which new construction develops). This dissertation focuses on the cultural and historical values of the landscape, which may be affected by suburbanization.
Tasks:
The report of foreign research into the cultural landscape around large cities. What foreign writings dealing with the landscape affected by suburbanization. How does suburbanization manifest itself in your area and how does it affect the landscape?
Outcomes:
The report about the approach and the protection of cultural and historical values (buildings, attributes, structures,…) in your country.
Electromobility and Micromobility
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, Institute of Public Administration and Regional Studies
Topic Overview:
Electromobility and micromobility are currently major challenges for changing behavior patterns in transport and in the use of public spaces in cities. Different cities and different states have different support for these new modes of transport, as well as different impacts on public spaces and city life. Not all impacts are necessarily positive and new collisions may occur.
Tasks:
The task of the intern will be to map and document the use of new types of mobility (especially electromobility and micromobility) and their impacts on the functioning of transport, as well as the functioning of public spaces of cities and life in them, in selected territories / cities in Brazil.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Set of examples of good and bad practice.
References:
Possible readings:
Gehl, J. (2011) Life between buildings: using public space [online]. Washington: Island Press, [cit. 2022-05-05]. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/natl-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3317590. Gehl, J. Gemzøe, L. (1996) Public Spaces. Public Life. Copenhagen: The Danish Architectural Press. ISBN: 978-8774073055.
Kiba-Janiak, M. & Witkowski, J. (2019) Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans: How Do They Work?. Sustainability [online]. 11(17) [cit. 2022-04-16]. ISSN 2071-1050. Available at: doi:10.3390/su11174605.
Schrank, D., Eisele, B. And Lomax, T. (2019). 2019 Urban Mobility Report. 1. Texas, USA: The Texas A&M Transportation Institute, INRIX. Available at: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/61408#tabs-2.
Stańczyk, T. L., & Hyb, L. (2019). Technological and organisational challenges for e-mobility. Archiwum Motoryzacji, 84(2), 57–70. Available at: doi:10.14669/AM.VOL84.ART5.
Plant Vitality Mapping & Soil/Canopy Moisture Assessments Using Earth Observation Data
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
The objective is to set up a methodical workflow for scaling methods, such as detailed monitoring of plant stress/vitality and moisture content, combining different Earth observation (EO) imagery types at various spatiotemporal scale levels. The aim is to develop methodology and process data in order to (a) obtain information on the current tree/plant species and health condition (stress); (b) detect and repeatedly map biotic and abiotic disturbances; (c) estimate soil/canopy water content; (d) fuse EO data acquired at various altitude-levels in order to manage imagery scaling to achieve the most effective results; (e) and utilise the benefits arising from the use of multi-sensor recording at various spatial scales (satellites, aircraft, UAVs, and in-situ measurements).
POSSIBLE DATA (depending on specific deal with student):
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR), Sentinel-3 (TIR);
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR);
PlanetScope (VNIR);
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR);
In-situ climatic sensors, Field surveys, and Ground data from forest inventories.
A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (an interview is needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad, and it is possible to choose different methods, data, study scales and target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. Pre-processing and processing of space-, air-, and drone-borne data. Creating auxiliary data. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasm, critical thinking. Experience with EO data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, statistical evaluation, etc.). Skills with software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, SNAP, R..).
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processed, draft of the manuscript to be submitted to the scientific journal.
References:
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Li, Z. L., Leng, P., Zhou, C., Chen, K. S., Zhou, F. C., & Shang, G. F. (2021). Soil moisture retrieval from remote sensing measurements: Current knowledge and directions for the future. Earth-Science Reviews, 218, 103673.
Babaeian, E., Sadeghi, M., Jones, S. B., Montzka, C., Vereecken, H., & Tuller, M. (2019). Ground, proximal, and satellite remote sensing of soil moisture. Reviews of Geophysics, 57(2), 530-616.
Klouček, T., Modlinger, R., Zikmundová, M., Kycko, M., &
Komárek, J. (2024). Early detection of bark beetle infestation using UAV-borne multispectral imagery: a case study on the spruce forest in the Czech Republic. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 7, 1215734. Komárek, J., Lagner, O., & Klouček, T. (2024). UAV leaf-on, leaf-off and ALS-aided tree height: A case study on the trees in the vicinity of roads. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 93, 128229.
Notes:
Knowledge of AI-based (e.g., deep learning) methods is welcomed.
Fusion of Remote Sensing Data and Techniques for Detection of Forest Disturbances: From Satellites to Needles
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Spatial Sciences
Topic Overview:
As remote sensing (RS) is a crucial source of Earth spatial data at various scales, the ongoing climate change brings novel challenges for RS utilisation. Early detection of biotic infestation at individual trees is crucial; however, calibration and validation protocols of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still not fully utilised. Satellites are invaluable for delineating the core areas of infestation and studying the spatiotemporal dynamics across large extents. A multi-source approach integrates various platforms (satellites, aircraft, UAVs) and sensors (visible, multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, thermal and even chlorophyll fluorescence) at different scale levels and allows the most reliable complex evaluation. Therefore, the synergy of UAVs and field measurements with satellite data carries a potential for mapping and predicting the ever-increasing biotic outbreaks that have not been fully discovered. The project aims to develop an innovative RS solution linking different data types, which can contribute to more effective detection and monitoring of forest disturbances. The project aims to fill the knowledge gap in remote sensing (RS) data (i) preprocessing and its calibration for the tasks connected with forest disturbances, (ii) detection of bark beetle infestation using close-range RS, and (iii) long-term monitoring of bark beetle spreading using satellites.
REMOTE SENSING DATA:
Sentinel-1 (radar, C-band)
Sentinel-2 (VNIR+SWIR)
Landsat 8,9 (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
PlanetScope (VNIR)
SkySat (VNIR)
Prisma (VNIR+SWIR+TIR)
UAV-borne and airborne (VNIR+TIR, lidar)
In-situ climatic sensors
Field surveys + ground data from forest inventories A specific topic is possible only after agreement with the student (interview needed in advance). The topic is relatively broad and it is possible to choose different methods, different data, different study scales and different target applications.
Tasks:
Comprehensive literature review. pre-processing and processing input remote sensing data. Species classification and stress detection using multispectral/hyperspectral/thermal data (to be specified). Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of given analysis, relevant discussion of the achieved results. Preparation of the scientific manuscript.
Requirements:
Independence, reliability, enthusiasms, critical thinking. Experience with remote sensing data and techniques (image matching, image analysis, image spectroscopy, statistical evaluation etc.). Skills with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and image processing software (e.g., ENVI, eCognition, SNAP). Experience with programming (e.g., Java, R, and python) is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Literature review, data processing, help with manuscript preparation.
References:
Klouček, T., Komárek, J., Surový, P., Hrach, K., Janata, P., Vašíček, B. 2019. The Use of UAV Mounted Sensors for Precise Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation. Remote Sensing, 11, 1561, doi:10.3390/rs11131561.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2016. Understanding forest health with remote sensing-Part I-A review of spectral traits, processes and remote-sensing characteristics. Remote Sens. 8, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8121029
Lausch, A., Erasmi, S., King, D.J., Magdon, P., Heurich, M., 2017. Understanding forest health with Remote sensing-Part II-A review of approaches and data models. Remote Sens. 9, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9020129
Seidl, R.; Thom, D.; Kautz, M.; Martin-Benito, D.; Peltoniemi, M.; Vacchiano, G.; Wild, J.; Ascoli, D.; Petr, M.; Honkaniemi, J.; et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2017, 7, 395–402.
Senf, C.; Seidl, R.; Hostert, P. Remote sensing of forest insect disturbances: Current state and future directions. Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs. Geoinf. 2017, 60, 49–60.
Genetic Characterization of Different Oropouche and Mayaro Virus Isolates
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases
Topic Overview:
Oropouche (OROV) nad Mayaro (MAYV) viruses are important arthropod-borne pathogens endemic in various tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America. They were detected also in Brasil. As both of these viruses are causing dengue-like disease, they are almost surely undereported and many if not most cases of human infections by these viruses are missreported as dengue cases. Despite causing symilar sympoms, these viruses are evolutionary unrelated to each other as well as to dengue virus. OROV is a – ssRNA virus with segmented genome belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae, genus Bunyavirales. It is transmitted primarly by Culicoides paraensis, a biting midge, but in urban settings it can be transmitted also by synathropic mosquitoes from genera Aedes and Culex. On the other hand, MAYV is a +ssRNA virus from the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae which genome consis of only single RNA molecule. In sylvatic cycle it is tvectored by canopy-dwelling Haemagogus mosquito species but in urban cycle it use also Anopheles, Aedes, and Cullex mosquitoes.Both of these viruses are important despite neglected human pathogens.
Tasks:
The intern will collect data from GenBank, the world largest database of genetic sequences. Special attention will be focused on those OROV and MAYV isolates with high quality full genome which have known metadata such ase country and date of isolation, host from which the viruses were islated etc.. Full genome sequences of these OROV and MAYV isolates will be downloaded together with important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Downloaded genomic sequences of OROV and MAYV will be aligned and in case of OROV concatenated. Further, analyses searching for potnetial recombination signals will be detected. Recombinant viruses will be removed from further analyses and on the rest of the viruses phylogenetic and structural analysis will be performed to characterize their genetic structure and define different lineages of these viruses. Finally various ecological features (e.g., description of typical vertebrate reservoir or arthropode vectors) and genetic parameters (e.g., codon usage) will be characterized for each lineage and compared with other lineages of the same virus species.
Requirements:
Required skills – MS Excel or similar and basic skills with online bioinformatic tools (at least on the independent user level). Beneficial skills – R or Phyton.
Outcomes:
The intern(s) will produce a database of full genome sequences of OROV and MAYV isolates including important metadata (host species, locality, date, virus clade, virus lineage etc.). Further they will characterize different lineages of these viruses and decribe ecological and genetic differences between them.
References:
OROV introduction: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016817022400011X?via%3Dihub;
MAYV introduction: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1038/s41426-018-0163-5;
Similar study on Dengue virus 2: https://peerj.com/articles/2326/; Introduction to phylogenetics: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/phylogenetic-handbook/A9D63A454E76A5EBCCF1119B3C56D766
Environmental Security
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Environmental security is currently perceived as one of the important areas of science and research. Although it is a term that has been used in the literature since the early 1970s, there is still no consensus on how to define this term precisely. One of the possible concepts that the international group of experts has evaluated as the most concise so far is that environmental security means ensuring the relative safety (through maximum risk elimination) of the population from the devastating consequences of natural or anthropogenic processes. Both domestic and cross-border risks need to be taken into account. The aim of this internship is to help with literature review for the purpose of innovation of lectures and publication outputs.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Environmental Security. Global task is to prepare a draft of Article – review summarizing different approaches to environmental security.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalal Studies. The ability to work with scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is required.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Modern Technologies for Teaching Environmental and Agroecological Studies
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Teaching and learning methods are constantly improving, relying more and more on modern technology. Schools and universities of 21st century are now able to implement various types of educational technology, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), robotics, 3D printers, mobile devices, smart classrooms etc. The aim of thies internship is to help to find suitable technologies for teaching Environmentalistics and Agroecology at the university level and summerize them in a review.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Modern technologies for teaching Environmental Sciences and Agroecology.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalistics, Agroecology, Landcape Ecology etc. The ability to work with quality online sources and scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is necessary.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology
Topic Overview:
Climate-smart technology supports food security and a sustainable environment. It is an answer to the effects of climate change which make agricultural development more challenging than ever before. Climate-smart production depends on technology transformation and a modern skilled workforce. Currently, it is very important to support innovation in agriculture by developing modern digital learning materials in the context of the EU Green Deal. There is a need to ensure that current and future professionals in the sector have the required key skills and competences, including through the development of innovative and blended learning programmes. The aim of this internship is to help with quality literature review for the purpose of innovation of lectures and publication outputs.
Tasks:
To review and summarize the existing publications on Climate-Smart agriculture . Global task is to prepare a review summarizing different approaches to ”climate-smart agriculture”.
Requirements:
The intern would work mainly on literature review. Suitable for students of Environmentalistics, Agroecology. Climatology, Agriculture etc. High ability to work with scientific paper databases (WoS, Scopus,…) is required.
Outcomes:
Lit. review. (no of pages will be specified).
Measuring Sustainable Development
Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Department of Development and Environmental Studies
Topic Overview:
The topic responds to Sustainable Development Goals’ target “to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product”. These efforts are also called “Beyond GDP” and cover conceptualizing and measuring various aspects of sustainable development. Some subtopics (including links to selected literature) are listed below.
Tasks:
The intern would serve as a research assistant. Depending on the topic I will be working on and the research phase, the tasks may include, for example, literature review and data analysis.
Requirements:
Suitable for economics students with interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental and development studies. Diligence and analytical thinking are necessary. Knowledge of statistical methods is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Will be determined at the beginning of the internship (likely a literature review).
References:
- “Beyond GDP” measurement and institutionalization (Stiglitz et al., 2009; Blanchflower and Bryson, 2023; van den Bergh, 2022) –
- Composite metrics of sustainability and sustainable development (Syrovátka, 2020; Hickel, 2020)
- Safe and just space (Fanning et al., 2022; Alleisa and Bakshi, 2023; Gupta et al., 2023)
- Sustainable Development Goals (Hametner, 2022; van Vuuren et al., 2022)
A Case Study in Ant Colony Optimisation
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) represents a typical NP-complete optimisation problem whose computational requirements grows exponentially with increasing the dimension of the problem, i.e. the number of cities that the traveling salesman needs to visit. No general efficient algorithm exists that would guarantee to provide optimal solution in a reasonable time. In most cases the optimal solution for a given problem instance is not known at all. There are various stochastic techniques available (e.g. evolutionary algorithms, ant systems, particle swarm optimisation etc) allowing us to obtain (sub)optimal solutions in a reasonable time which is often acceptable for practical purposes. The goal of this project is to implement (according to a selected existing study) a system for the optimisation of various TSP instances and to try to tune it (by introducing your own ideas) in order to obtain interesting results for TSP instances “as complex as possible”. The results should be evaluated statistically and compared with those presented in the original study.
Task:
1. Familiarise yourself with the TSP, methods and problems of its solution. For example, see the video in [1].
2. Also acquire basic principles of Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), recommended introductory and overview resource is [2]. Make a review of recent ACO literature (since 2018 if possible) and try to choose ONE article regarding the TSP optimisation by means of an arbitrary variant of ACO. If unsure, ask your supervisor.
3. Create an implementation of the system presented in the article, try to repeat the original experiment(s) and evaluate statistically the obtained results. The supervisor may provide you with a simple Python-based ACO optimiser that you may utilise as a basis for your impplementation.
4. After tuning your initial implementation (that should provide some good results corresponding those presented in the article), try to introduce a modification of the ACO the aim of which will be to improve the results or to verify your own ideas. Experiment with various ACO settings, perform your own set(s) of experiments and make a comparative study evaluating the performance of the algorithms and the quality of the resulting TSP solutions. Hint: The modification may include the problem representation and/or the ACO algorithm itself. Apply your own creativity, inspire yourself on the Internet, in the literature or during discussions with your supervisor.
Requirements:
Interest in experimental work, creativity and sense of thoroughness and preciseness. Programming skills mainly using existing frameworks and libraries (C/C++, Python or others).
Outcomes:
A presentation or technical report summarizing the methods and obtained results + the ACO implementation.
References:
[1] The Traveling Salesman Problem: When Good Enough Beats Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiDsjIBOVoA
[2] M. Dorigo and T. Stützle: Ant Colony Optimization. The MIT Press, 2004, URL with pdf version available: https://web2.qatar.cmu.edu/~gdicaro/15382/additional/aco-book.pdf
Profiling of Embedded Applications
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is “Profiling of Embedded Applications” and it is practically oriented. Expected results of the internship will represent a solid base for deeper analysis of real embedded systems, especially for studying an impact of various development techniques/means and obtaining data, e.g., for validation of existing models or for research publications.
Task:
1. Familiarize yourself with basic terms and principles related to embedded systems as well as with basic development aspects of embedded applications. Summarize your knowledge into a short report.
2. Perform a research in the area of profiling of embedded applications – summarize key terms, concepts and instruments available in software (such as SystemView or FreeMaster) or hardware (such as ARM’s DWT unit) for various platforms.
3. Choose an embedded platform (e.g., ARM), operating system (e.g., FreeRTOS) and a profiler (e.g., FreeMaster). Use them to create a simple embedded application and profile it.
4. Based on the agreement with the supervisor, prepare a set of non-trivial embedded applications and prepare a framework for their profiling.
5. Apply the profiling chain of your framework to the set of embedded applications in order to evaluate and present the profiling results to a user.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with the development of embedded systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Profiling results for the set of embedded applications and a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start to study materials for FREEMASTER: FreeMASTER Run-Time Debugging Tool (e.g., video tutorials in the TRAINING & SUPPORT section at https://www.nxp.com/design/software/development-software/freemaster-run-time-debugging-tool:FREEMASTER), SEGGER SystemView (e.g., video tutorials in the Video and SystemView Media parts at https://www.segger.com/products/development-tools/systemview/), uC/Probe (http://micrium.com/probe/uC-Probe- UsersManual.pdf), MCUXpresso SWO Trace (https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/training-reference-material/AMF-SOL-ADVANCED-DEBUG-MCUXPRESSO-IDE-PRESENTATION.pdf, https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/quick-reference-guide/MCUXpresso_IDE_SWO_Trace.pdf) and/or materials to similar instruments.
Schedulability Analysis of Real-Time Tasks under Uncertainty
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is is about modelling, simulation and model checking of a special class of systems. Expected results of the internship will represent a solid base for better schedulability analysis of real-time systems at the task level.
Task:
1. Do a research in the area of modelling and analyzing properties of real-time systems; especially, focus on schedulability analysis of real-time tasks.
2. Identify sources of uncertainty with regard to real-time systems and tasks. Make a survey of methods and tools for real-time task schedulability analysis as well as of approaches to the schedulability analysis problem under uncertainty.
3. Summarize key terms and concepts of the Statistical Model Checking (SMC) technique. Identify SMC means suitable for modelling sets of real-time tasks as well as for evaluating their schedulability under uncertainty; do a research in this area.
4. Propose the flow of the real-time task schedulability analysis process based on SMC. Discuss real-time task sets and uncertainty scenarios for checking the applicability of the process and evaluating it. Present your approach to modeling real-time tasks under uncertainty.
5. Create models of sufficiently representative sets of real-time tasks in order to check their schedulability by means of SMC in various uncertainty conditions.
6. Evaluate your approach and discuss it critically from the applicability, validity and scalability viewpoints.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with modelling and analysis of systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Models of representative systems, i.e., real-time task sets and non/preemptive task schedulers, experimental results and a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start here:
http://people.cs.aau.dk/~adavid/smc/index.html,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16561-0_21.
Deployment of Machine Learning Outputs on Embedded Platforms
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Department of Computer Systems
Topic Overview:
The topic is is about the usage and properties of the machine learning processes applied in the context of embedded, often very resource-limited, platforms. Results of the internship can enhance existing solutions to many practical problems, to enhance their parameters/properties, to propose a new solution for solved problems, to identify further prospective application areas etc.
Task:
1.Summarize i) key terms and concepts in the field of Machine Learning (ML) and ii) ML instruments applicable in the area of embedded systems; especially, focus yourself on microcontroller (MCU) based ML solutions (e.g., TinyML, TensorFlow Lite Micro, OONX, CMSIS-NN, ARM NN, eIQ, Edge Impulse, MATLAB and Simulink for Edge AI) in the context of resource-limited platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or ARM Cortex-M.
2. Do a literature review in the field of ML solutions as well as in the field of their applications, platforms used, results they achieved etc.
3. Choose an embedded, MCU based, system, a representative (your own, an existing etc.) problem solvable by ML on the system and ML means to implement your solution.
4. Implement a solution from the item 3, check its basic usability and properties.
5. Make a set of experiments to show how attributes (e.g., memory footprint, latency) of the solution depend on the target platform, configuration etc.
Requirements:
Any previous experience with machine learning and embedded systems is welcome. Active interest in the topic, creativity, ability to solve problems independently as well as ability to (self) study are strongly recommended.
Outcomes:
Representative ML model(s) and their evaluation in the context of their deployment on embedded platforms, a short (about 10 pages long) technical report.
References:
According to the promoter’s/supervisor’s recommendation – e.g., you can start here:
https://edgeimpulse.com/,
https://paperswithcode.com/task/anomaly-detection,
https://paperswithcode.com/dataset/toyadmos,
https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/274322308/ A_Primer_for_tinyML_Predictive_Maintenance_Input_and_Model_Optimisation.pdf.
AI in Smart Services in Manufacturing
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Manufacturers provide both basic and advanced services for their products. Advanced services include, for example, remote monitoring, repair, predictive maintenance. Some companies are starting to use AI tools for advanced services as well.
Tasks:
To explore how manufacturers can incorporate AI tools to their smart services. Specifically, student would be engaged in further exploration among manufacturers in Brazil. S/he could help with literature review.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel.
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Notes:
Recommended for Students of Electronic Engineering or Economy/Marketing.
Identification and Mitigation of Threats and Vulnerabilities of Modern Machine Learning Systems
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Information Technologies
Topic Overview:
The work will examine various aspects of the harmful potential of artificial intelligence, that is, the approaches and procedures of artificial intelligence that can be the cause of attacks, and the possibilities of prevention and defence against them. Many of the possible approaches to prevent and defend against vulnerabilities from malicious AI applications must also be based on AI approaches and practices. The research will therefore be focused on both the aforementioned aspects of artificial intelligence applications and on solving typical problems of vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence systems.
Tasks:
Work closely with the supervisor to gather and analyze pertinent professional resources, creation of a comprehensive overview study centered around the designated subject.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of AI programming is advantageous.
Outcomes:
Systematic review, draft of a publication, software.
References:
HU, Yupeng, et al. Artificial intelligence security: threats and countermeasures. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 2021, 55.1: 1-36.
Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Cryptography
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Information Technologies
Topic Overview:
In this internship, we will explore and conduct research on the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) method. Building upon the latest advancements in the field, we will investigate novel applications of quantum secure communication and explore alternative uses for QKD transmitters and receivers. Our primary focus will be on quantifying the security level in quantum communication systems and enhancing the robustness of this technology to meet future demands.
Tasks:
Work closely with the supervisor to gather and analyze pertinent professional resources, creation of a comprehensive overview study centered around the designated subject.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of programming (Python) is advantageous.
Outcomes:
Systematic review, draft of a publication, model, software.
References:
SCARANI, Valerio, et al. The security of practical quantum key distribution. Reviews of modern physics, 2009, 81.3: 1301-1350. DERVISEVIC, Emir, et al. Quantum Key Distribution Networks–Key Management: A Survey. arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.04580, 2024.
Development of Educational Materials for a Beginner’s AI Course in Python
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python. The offline mode of internship is preferred.
Tasks:
1. Create basic educational examples in Python to use AI using the PyTorch library.
2. The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python.
3. Devising basic examples suitable for training industrial engineers in AI using the PyTorch library.
4. Creating the datasets needed for the examples.
5. Creation of step-by-step study materials for use in a basic Python course.
Requirements:
Python. Technical thinking.
Outcomes:
Publication.
MATLAB Examples
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
Matlab examples – participate in course development related to Matlab programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in Matlab environment. Examples should be from the technical field. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and testing.
Requirements:
Know how to work with MS Office tools (Word, Excel), know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a simple problem, basic knowledge of Matlab programming.
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
C# - Object Oriented Programming
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
C# examples – participation in course development focused on C# programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in the C# environment oriented on the principle of object-oriented programming – inheritance, etc. Examples should have technical character. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and their testing.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of C# programming, know how to work with MS Office tools, know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a problem, create a simple form application in an object-oriented programming system, create simple algorithms for technical calculations, express an algorithm in a graphical way
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
2D Monte Carlo Simulation of a Set of Vortex Points with Scalable Background Noise
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
2D Monte Carlo simulation of a set of vortex points with scalable background noise like random walk problem.
Tasks:
Work in language C#.
Requirements:
Knowledge of language C#.
Outcomes:
Article.
Analytical Solution and Stability Analysis of Infinite Set of Differential Equations
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Analytical solution and stability analysis of infinite set of differential equations in form of dx_(i,j)/dt = y_(i,j+1) – y_(i,j-1) and dy_(i)/dt = -x_(i+1,j) – x_(i-1,j).
Outcomes:
Article.
Preparation of 3D Geometry of Printable Models
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Preparation of 3D geometry of printable models of several types of water pumps for educational purposes.
Tasks:
Work with open-source program OpenSCAD.
Requirements:
Knowledge of OpenSCAD.
Outcomes:
Printed model.
Using OpenStreetMap in Mapping Brazil's Rural Areas
Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography
Topic Overview:
Mapping remote parts of the world is not commercially interesting. Fortunately, there is a service called OpenStreetMap, which creates a map of the entire world created by volunteers. There are many tools that can be used to map the world, including those using artificial intelligence.
Tasks:
Learn about different OpenStreetMap mapping tools, try to map a selected remote part of the Brazilian countryside and compare mapping tools. The ambition is also to participate in an online international mapathon and prepare a paper for an international conference describing the mapping experience.
Outcomes:
Report presenting the possibilities of using OpenSTreetMap for remote mapping in the case of Brazil’s rural areas, presented during the FOSS4G conference in Belem, 2024.
Understanding to Infographics in Maps
Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Department of Geoinformatics
Topic Overview:
Infographics became a powerful way how to visualize the different types of information effectively. Nowadays, a high increase in the usage of infographics in various areas is evident. Cartography and its application of modern ways of visualization into maps are proven. However, the understanding of infographics is not uniform among the academic or a lay society. The verified fact is that everybody can somehow identify infographics but describe them differently. The topic of the intern aims to identify infographics in a set of maps from different authors, years, graphical style, and theme. The student will collect at least 20 maps in various styles for practical testing. Subsequently, the student (together with supervisor) designs a survey for identifying and understanding infographics on selected maps. The same survey will be applied to both Brazil and Czech respondents. The results will be analysed and compared. The result of the intern supposed to be a report or poster describing the workflow of the research, practical testing and results from the analysis of survey outcomes. The research should identify differences between understanding infographics in Brazil and Czech respondents.
Tasks:
a) Create a set of maps;
b) Design and process a survey;
c) Analyse results;
d) Describe and present outcomes properly.
Requirements:
General knowledge of cartography and data visualization. Experiences with survey design and analysis.
Outcomes:
Report, poster alternatively.
References:
a) HE, M., TANG, X. HUANG, Y. (2011) To visualize spatial data using thematic maps combined with infographics. 2011 19th International Conference on Geoinformatics, 18(2), 1-5. DOI: 10.1109/GeoInformatics.2011.5980880;
b) KRUM, Randy. Cool infographics: effective communication with data visualization and design. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley, 2014. ISBN: 9781118582305;
c) SIRICHAROEN, W.V., SIRICHAROEN, N. (2015). How Infographic should be evaluated. ICIT 2015. DOI: 10.15849/icit.2015.0100;
d) THOMAS, J.,COOK, K. (2005). Illuminating the path. Los Alamitos, California: IEEE Computer Society, 2005. ISBN 0-7695-2323-4;
e) KONÍČEK, J. (2020). Identification of evolution, changes and trends in world cartography using methods of computer linguistics and visual analytics. Cartographic letters, 28 (2), 53-68. Available from: https://gis.fns.uniba.sk/kartografickelisty/archiv/KL28/5.pdf
b) KRUM, Randy. Cool infographics: effective communication with data visualization and design. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley, 2014. ISBN: 9781118582305;
c) SIRICHAROEN, W.V., SIRICHAROEN, N. (2015). How Infographic should be evaluated. ICIT 2015. DOI: 10.15849/icit.2015.0100;
d) THOMAS, J.,COOK, K. (2005). Illuminating the path. Los Alamitos, California: IEEE Computer Society, 2005. ISBN 0-7695-2323-4;
e) KONÍČEK, J. (2020). Identification of evolution, changes and trends in world cartography using methods of computer linguistics and visual analytics. Cartographic letters, 28 (2), 53-68. Available from: https://gis.fns.uniba.sk/kartografickelisty/archiv/KL28/5.pdf
Geopark As a Geotourism Destination – Its Contribution and Potential For Sustainable Development of Both Urban and Rural Areas
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
Due to their multidisciplinary, geoparks can engage persons with different qualifications, interests and competencies and improve life quality both in urban and rural areas, stressing the role of education and nature conservation.
Involving and empowering local and Indigenous people in geoparks activities is essential, and the academic results of geosciences need to be shared with them. But equally, the contribution of local and Indigenous knowledge to the sustainable development of geoparks should be valued.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), writing up journal article with the supervisor/s,
- Processing a power point presentation, compilation of comparative studies and databases,
- Participation in the topic-related online /hybrid events (4GEON project).
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor
- Power point presentation
- Comparative studies
- Ethnographic case studies of Indigenous people in geoparks and their Indigenous knowledge (interviews)
- Databases of 4 GEON geoparks
- Or other agreed outcomes
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/
Geopark as a Place of Popularization of Earth Heritage – Promotion, Interpretation and Gamification of Geological Heritage
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
The basic theses of the interpretation of the geological heritage are usually published in professional (impact) journals, which, due to their character, publication and citation practices, are comprehensible only to a small number of narrowly focused experts. However, it is a matter of skill that can be mastered through study and practice to interpret the same knowledge also to a wider circle of people interested in the natural sciences and the general spread of education. Currently, it can be considered probable that most of the population knows about the most powerful geological events (earthquakes, dense gravity currents, volcanism, floods…) from the web (YouTube, Pinterest), but cannot recognize the material remains of these events in the surrounding nature. Graduated geologists can learn this ability and develop it to a professional level in suitable natural and social conditions (=geoparks, national parks, etc.). The specific implementation can then take the form of excursions, lectures, information brochures, posters, web resources, etc.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), focused on the perception of geological heritage and past life among children of different ages, in different cultures,
- Application of the acquired knowledge in the creation of image content for the social networks Pinterest (https:cz.pinterest.com/4geon/), Nightcafe (https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON) and Geoedugameweb (https://www.geoedugame.com/),
- Proposal of the simple games and contests or other gamification elements for popularization/ interpretation of the geological heritage,
- Writing journal article.
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor/s
- Power point presentations, comparative studies
- Graphic and text documents for Pinterest and Nightcafe
- Games created for visitors (gamification)..
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/,
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON
Pre-Columbian Architecture
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies
Topic Overview:
Pre-Columbian architecture enjoys constant worldwide interest of researchers, professionals, and the public. There are currently many new discoveries of pre-Columbian civilizations in Brazil, but the world public is not sufficiently informed about them, among other things, due to the language barrier. The work should contribute both to making new Brazilian discoveries accessible to the world public and to the study of the development of urban buildings and architecture in a global context.
Tasks:
The aim of the thesis will be to search for and process information about current (archaeological) discoveries of pre-Columbian architecture and urbanism, to collect information about them and to process them comprehensively in English.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Research report.
Varieties of Historical Antropology
Charles University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of History
Topic Overview:
This is a theme in the theory of history that interconnects the study of history and (socio)cultural anthropology. The interdiscipline of historical anthropology has taken many forms in various regions globally. A comparative approach is therefore both desirable and promising. Academic journals that set as their goal to pursue and promote the interdisciplinary study of history and cultural anthropology can serve as useful study material in this sense. In what ways have journals defined and shaped the field of historical anthropology, and what have been the regional varieties of this field of study globally?
Tasks:
1) Identification of academic journals that have focused on historical anthropology and have paved the way for research in this field;
2) Identification of programmes, objectives and research agendas that these journals have set and promoted;
3) Formulation of research questions (jointly with the supervisor).
Requirements:
Master´s degree level, background in the study of history, (socio)cultural anthropology or both, an asset: reading knowledge of German.
Outcomes:
Literature review/bibliographic essay.
The Great Powers and Japan in the Second Half of the 19th Century
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
Topic Overview:
After the Great Powers enforced the opening of the Japanese ports in the middle of the 50s of the 19th century most of the Great Powers followed a cautious policy. The statesmen in London, Washington, St. Petersburg and Paris were aware of the opportunities (especially economic) in Japan. However, they also appreciated the competition, which they had to challenge. Their diplomacy therefore carefully observed the internal situation of Japan, where the power and authority of the Tokugawa bakufu diminished. The British policy also had to challenge several crisis and problems connected with the anti-foreign movement, which culminated in a series of attacks against the British (and other foreign) nationals and their property. With regard to the fact, that these incidents were caused by the members of the anti-Shogunate clans, Britain initially tried to cooperate with the central government in Edo. France went even further and participated on the modernization of the Tokugawa army and supported the Shogunate government. However due to the policy of the bakufu, the British started to concentrate on the support of the anti-Tokugawa opposition. Britain and France therefore became rivals in Japan. This competition continued even during the first decades of the Meiji regime. In that time Britain contributed to the modernization of the Japanese fleet. France sent its army instructors to Japan and was engaged in the armament of the Japanese armed forces, although it had to challenge a competition of other European countries (especially Prussia) during this process. Both countries therefore significantly contributed to the modernization of Japan. On the other hand, other Great Powers had much more limited goals. The United States concentrated on their economic interest and Russia tried to gain territorial gains – especially the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the islands in the Tsushima strait – which was hindered by Britain. This project will therefore focus on the comparison of the influence and politics of the Great Powers in Japan in the second half of the 19th and the analysis of their interests and methods which they used to enforce them.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
Selected Chapters from British Imperial History
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
Topic Overview:
The aim of this course is to present and evaluate selected basic problems related to the Imperial (particularly British-Dominion perspectives and attitudes) history of the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries. It will focus on selected domestic, imperial foreign policy and inter-imperial issues related to the history of Great Britain and its empire (especially crown colonies and Dominions), which in the period were important for its development (constitutional relations, colonial wars, overseas disputes etc.) and in relation to international events (organization after the First World War – Paris Peace Conference –, British-American relations) and the challenges (nationalism, appeasement, decolonization process, international crisis and incidents etc.) it had to face.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
British Foreign Policy in the First Half of the 19th Century
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
Topic Overview:
This topic deals with British foreign policy in the first half of the 19th century, specifically the years 1814-1848. It is defined by British involvement at the Congress of Vienna and culminates with the revolutions of 1848. Emphasis will be placed primarily on British political activity in Europe. The period 1814-1848 was crucial in terms of European politics, where Britain played a key role and had a major influence on the direction of the future of the Continent.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
Family Memories and (Genetic) Genealogy
Palacky University in Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of History
Topic Overview:
Genealogy, in other words, family history, is one of the world´s most widespread hobbies. For a few years now, millions of people around the world have been using genetic genealogy databases like Ancestry.com or GedMatch for this hobby. This topic combines research on family memories (as an integral part of the memory studies field), in particular the memories of WWII and communism, and (genetic) genealogy.
Requirements:
The experience in genealogy and usage of the genetic genealogy databases is welcome. The knowledge of other languages (apart from English and Portuguese) is an advantage.
Feud and Vengeance in Pre-Modern Latin America
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Institute of History
Topic Overview:
Feud and vengeance belong to the concepts that are widely researched in the framework of European history. The topic has been explored from different standpoints for a long time and furthermore, an important intercultural perspective has been frequently applied recently. However, the research space for conducting such approach in the field of pre-modern Latin American history seems still unused.
Tasks:
The supervisor offers his experience and knowledge of research approaches to the topic. He will provide an applicant with methodological texts and assist him/her with the research.The applicant will be expected to get acquainted with the provided theory and methodology and then to work on the issue on his/her own applying the aforementioned approaches with the use of the Latin American scholarly literature and archives. The research output shall be published in English in the form of a journal article (percentage of supervisor´s and applicant´s share on the result is open for their common agreement after specification of the research scope).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of political thought, social history.
Outcomes:
Article.
Central European Photographers Active in Brazil in the First Half of the Twentieth Century
Masaryk University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Art History
Topic Overview:
The topic focuses on central European photographers who were active in Brazil in the first half of the twentieth century, as well as Brazilian photographers who came to Europe. A particular focus should be on women photographers, how they built their careers and what kinds of photographs they took/ where they published them. The key aspect of the project is to establish which exchanges there were between Brazil and central Europe (Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria) in modern photography in the first half of the twentieth century, approximately.
Tasks:
To compile relevant literature and to organise it with a view on networks and exchanges. Together with the supervisor, the goal will then be to critically assess these sources to formulate a critical argument (regular meetings).
Requirements:
Interest in modern art and visual culture in the first half of the twentieth century and in gender studies. Basic knowledge of modern history and of navigating databases, libraries and journals. Interest in cultural exchanges between Brazil and central Europe and women’s roles within it.
Outcomes:
A literature review of Brazilian–central European exchanges in photography in the early twentieth century, with particular focus on women photographers. Potential publication in an English-language, peer-reviewed, open access journal (collaboration between student and supervisor).
Transmission of Anti-Gender Radicalism within Right-Wing Parties, Movements, and Communities in Selected Latin American Countries
Metropolitan University Prague, Department of International Relations and European Studies
Topic Overview:
This research project aims to analyze the mechanisms by which anti-gender radicalism is transmitted within right-wing parties, movements, and communities in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru. These countries have been selected due to the significant presence of anti-gender radical networks within their right-wing political spheres. The project seeks to critically evaluate the ideological foundations, key actors, and channels through which anti-gender rhetoric and strategies are propagated in these nations, with particular emphasis on how these discourses intersect with issues of nationalism, religion, and traditional values.
Task:
The intern will assist in gathering and analyzing data related to the dissemination of anti-gender radicalism in the selected countries.
Specific tasks include:
- Collecting and coding relevant documents, speeches, and media content for qualitative data analysis.
- Conducting a comparative discourse analysis to identify key narratives and framing techniques used by right-wing actors.
- Assisting in social network analysis (SNA) to map out the relationships and influence among key figures and groups within these networks.
- Supporting the preparation of research outputs, including literature reviews, reports, and presentations.
Requirements:
General understanding of the concepts of gender studies, right-wing radicalism, and political movements. Ability to work independently and manage data collection tasks under supervision.
Outcomes:
A comprehensive review of existing documents relevant to anti-gender radicalism in the targeted Latin American countries.
A database of analyzed documents.
Contribution to a final report or presentation summarizing the findings of the research.
Depending on the intern’s capacity, the outcomes can range from data collection to contributing to the discourse analysis and its presentation in a research paper.
References:
Ramos, J. M., & Torres, P. (2020). The Right Transmission: Understanding Global Diffusion of the Far-Right. Populism, 3(1), 87-120. https://doi.org/10.1163/25888072-BJA10001
Dietze, G., & Roth, J. (Eds.). (2020). Right-Wing Populism and Gender: European Perspectives and Beyond. Routledge.
Kuhar, R., & Paternotte, D. (Eds.). (2017). Anti-Gender Campaigns in Europe: Mobilizing against Equality. Rowman & Littlefield International.
Aiko Holvikivi, Billy Holzberg, Tomás Ojeda. Transnational Anti-Gender Politics: Feminist Solidarity in Times of Global Attacks. (2024). Springer International Publishing.
Knoke, D., & Yang, S. (2008). Social Network Analysis (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Van Dijk, T. A. (2015). Critical Discourse Analysis. In D. Tannen, H. E. Hamilton, & D. Schiffrin (Eds.), The Handbook of Discourse Analysis (2nd ed., pp. 466-485). Wiley-Blackwell.
Representation of Brazilian Indigenous Women in Politics
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The election of Jair Bolsonaro in Brasil has caused heated debate about the rights of local indigenous people. The actual president doesn’t hide his aversion to the indigenous minority, defending big capital and extraction at the expense of indigenous territorial rights and cultural integrity. At the same time the president also has made himself famous for various misogynist statements. Taken together presidents’ declarations, first governmental steps and its ideological orientation, the situation in Brasil under the lead of Jair Bolsonaro seems to be especially detrimental for indigenous women that would experience the negative impact of governmental policies in both temathic fields. That is why this intership will ask students to examine the possibilities of Brasilian indigenous women for political representation. We are especially interested in the trends of indigenous women’ political representation be it descriptive or substantive under the actual government in comparison with previous ones. In this sense the students would focus on indigenous women representatives in state power structures (parliament, government) and content of policies relevant for this sector of society.
Tasks:
Analysing trends and structure of Brasilian indigenous women representation.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, database of indigenous women representatives in state power structures.
Threats to Academic Freedom in Brazil
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The academic freedom has become a hot topic in Brasil when the actual government of Jair Bolsonaro announced its plans to dramatically cut down the budget of Universities with respect to social sciences. These political intentions to restrict leeway of Universities and getthem under the political control is not exceptional to Brasilian context, considering the highly restrictive measures of Hungarian government towards Central European University in Budapest. That is why this internship will ask the students to work with legal measures of actual government that aim at functioning of universities and their research activities. We are mostly interested in the governmental efforts to restrict academic freedom be it limitations on budgets or more indirect forms such as career limitations for politically critical academics and so on.
Tasks:
Looking for direct and indirect forms of limitation of academic freedom from the part of Brazilian government. Looking for all kinds of restrictions against Universities with respect to social sciences.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, governmental decrees and legal measures, rules and restrictions of academic freedom; possible cooperation on publication.
International Comparison of Accounting and Tax Regulation
University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Faculty of Law, Department of Financial Law and National Economy
Topic Overview:
The student will participate on a project that is aimed at comparison of tax and accounting regulation in different countries, especially EU Member States. They will work partly individually, partly, during the semester, there will be a team of students working on the project, both from the Czech Republic and from other EU Member states (mostly Erasmus+ students who are on student exchange stay).
Tasks:
The students will participate in partial projects to create a comparative case study in a specific tax or accounting problem. The problem will be solved from the point of view of different national systems. The purpose is to find situations, where there is a very different tax treatment in the same situation. The student will work partly individually and they are encouraged to bring their own ideas of problems they would like to work on (on comparison of Brazilian and Czech tax systems in the particular area). The students might also work in small groups, each student will work on the case study from the perspective of his/her home country tax system.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of MS Office package, knowledge of Brazilian tax system, specialization in financial, especially accounting and tax law appreciated.
Outcomes:
Partial outcomes of the project will be published as articles or conference papers and/or UNIGOU proceedings. In the long run, the book comparing Brazilian and Czech perspectives will be published.
Multinational Corporations and Human Rights Abuses
Palacky University in Olomouc, Law Faculty, Department of International and European Law
Topic Overview:
Multinational Corporations and Human Rights Abuses – current trends and challenges in international law. ESG – legal comparative study.
Tasks:
Basic research, case analyses and presentations, short reviews and reporting.
Brazilian Contribution to Non-Proliferation and Disarmament of Chemical Weapons
Palacky University in Olomouc, Law Faculty, Department of Political and Social Sciences
Topic Overview:
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) establishing the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was signed on 13th January 1993 and officially started the international effort to eliminate chemical weapons stockpiles in declaratory states with the aim to ensure a safe World free of chemical weapons. The main aim of the research is to analyze Brazil’s contribution to the OPCW’s activities in implementing CWC.
Tasks:
It is expected that the intern will study the CWC and OPCW activities and then analyze Brazilian contributions to CWC programs, including activities in disarmament, international cooperation, or OPCW management. In the end, the intern shall together with the supervisor write an academic research article, which will be published together with a supervisor in an academic journal.
Requirements:
Due to the above-mentioned tasks, it is expected a good level of English and basic research skills (academic writing including proper referencing, work with academic resources, and analytical thinking), editorial and formatting of the article according to journal template, etc. A professional interest in international security, international public law, non-proliferation, and disarmament is welcome.
Outcomes:
Hopefully, our cooperation will lead to a joint article about the Brazilian contribution to the non-proliferation and disarmament of chemical weapons under the umbrella of the OPCW.
References:
You might look at the Chemical Weapons Convention and the web of the OPCW to search for its activities and programs. The annual report of the organization is also very advised to read.
Methodology of Legal Interpretation in Czechia and Brazil
Palacky University in Olomouc, Law Faculty, Department of Legal Theory and Legal History
Topic Overview:
Goal of the project: To analyze and compare the methodology of legal interpretation in Czech and Brazilian legal system, especially the role of the judicial institutions, the influence of constitutional (supreme) court on legal system, the history of legal interpretation.
Tasks:
Methodology of legal interpretation in Brazil.
Requirements:
Knowledge of English, interest in legal theory is an advantage.
Outcomes:
Short article, presentation.
Notes:
The output of the research may be an article in English to be submitted into the Czech law journal.
Representation of Brazilian Indigenous Women in Politics
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The election of Jair Bolsonaro in Brasil has caused heated debate about the rights of local indigenous people. The actual president doesn’t hide his aversion to the indigenous minority, defending big capital and extraction at the expense of indigenous territorial rights and cultural integrity. At the same time the president also has made himself famous for various misogynist statements. Taken together presidents’ declarations, first governmental steps and its ideological orientation, the situation in Brasil under the lead of Jair Bolsonaro seems to be especially detrimental for indigenous women that would experience the negative impact of governmental policies in both temathic fields. That is why this intership will ask students to examine the possibilities of Brasilian indigenous women for political representation. We are especially interested in the trends of indigenous women’ political representation be it descriptive or substantive under the actual government in comparison with previous ones. In this sense the students would focus on indigenous women representatives in state power structures (parliament, government) and content of policies relevant for this sector of society.
Tasks:
Analysing trends and structure of Brasilian indigenous women representation.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, database of indigenous women representatives in state power structures.
Threats to Academic Freedom in Brazil
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The academic freedom has become a hot topic in Brasil when the actual government of Jair Bolsonaro announced its plans to dramatically cut down the budget of Universities with respect to social sciences. These political intentions to restrict leeway of Universities and getthem under the political control is not exceptional to Brasilian context, considering the highly restrictive measures of Hungarian government towards Central European University in Budapest. That is why this internship will ask the students to work with legal measures of actual government that aim at functioning of universities and their research activities. We are mostly interested in the governmental efforts to restrict academic freedom be it limitations on budgets or more indirect forms such as career limitations for politically critical academics and so on.
Tasks:
Looking for direct and indirect forms of limitation of academic freedom from the part of Brazilian government. Looking for all kinds of restrictions against Universities with respect to social sciences.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, governmental decrees and legal measures, rules and restrictions of academic freedom; possible cooperation on publication.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Education
University of Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Applied Linguistics
Topic Overview:
This research will explore the usefulness of artificail intelligence (AI) in the process of foreign language education (FLE). This is an important issue since the present young generation was born into the technological environment and they perceive technologies as indispensable part of their everyday life, including education. However, they mainly use technologies in their informal learning, but there is not much research into the latest AI technologies in FLE. To cover this gap, this research aims to focus on evaluation of usefulness of these AI technologies and their directed and useful implementation into formal FLE. The research includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, e.g. questionnaire surveys, experiments, or interpretation analyses.
Tasks:
Conducting the set questionnaire surveys or experiments, analysing data, drafting parts of a joint article.
Requirements:
Candidate who are able to conduct a literature review in the world´s databases, such as Web of Science or Scopus, participate in performing questionnaire surveys or experiments, and possibly be able to do the statistical analysis.
Outcomes:
A joint publication in a Scopus, Web of Science journal, preferably with an impact factor.
References:
Klimova, B., & de Paula Nascimento e Silva, C. (2024). Enhancing foreign language learning approaches to promote healthy aging: A systematic review. J Psycholinguist Res, 53, 48. Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., & Al-Obaydi, L. H. (2024). Exploring the potential of ChatGPT for foreign language education at the university level. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1269319. Polakova, P., & Klimova, B. (2024). Implementation of AI-driven technology into education – a pilot study on the use of chatbots in foreign language learning. Cogent Education, 11 (1), 2355385. Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2023). Cognitive gain in digital foreign language learning. Brain Sciences, 13(7),1074. Pikhart, M., Klimova, B., Ruschel, F.B. (2023). Foreign language vocabulary acquisition and retention in print text vs. digital media environments. Systems, 11, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/ systems1101003 Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., Kacetl, J. (2023). Ethical issues of the use of AI-driven mobile apps for education. Front. Public Health, 10, 1118116. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1118116.
Note:
Our department is also open to any other topic related to foreign language education.
AI in Smart Services in Manufacturing
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Manufacturers provide both basic and advanced services for their products. Advanced services include, for example, remote monitoring, repair, predictive maintenance. Some companies are starting to use AI tools for advanced services as well.
Tasks:
To explore how manufacturers can incorporate AI tools to their smart services. Specifically, student would be engaged in further exploration among manufacturers in Brazil. S/he could help with literature review.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel.
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Additional Notes:
Recommended for Students of Electronic Engineering or Economy/Marketing.
Visual Smog
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
Visual smog is used to describe the filling of public space with aesthetically undesirable objects and advertisements. In a broader context, it refers to anything that negatively affects a person’s view of a public space, such as littered trash on the street, overly garish colours on building facades, overhead power lines, poles, structures, traffic signs, railings, etc. According to some experts, visual smog negatively affects drivers’ attention on roads and highways and the living and health conditions of people, especially in cities.
Tasks:
To explore (based on questionnaire analysis) how visual smog affects us (also students as customers). Specifically, student could be engaged in a questionnaire construction and design and its further distribution among respondents. Furthermore, s/he would be responsible conducting questionnaire analysis and finally, editing answers using MS Excel. S/he could help with literature review or publication also.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of statistical methods, good knowledge of MS Office package – especially Excel, knowledge of marketing (promotion).
Outcomes:
Literature review, research.
Additional Notes:
Recommended for Students of Economy/Marketing.
Geopark As a Geotourism Destination – Its Contribution and Potential For Sustainable Development of Both Urban and Rural Areas
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
Due to their multidisciplinary, geoparks can engage persons with different qualifications, interests and competencies and improve life quality both in urban and rural areas, stressing the role of education and nature conservation.
Involving and empowering local and Indigenous people in geoparks activities is essential, and the academic results of geosciences need to be shared with them. But equally, the contribution of local and Indigenous knowledge to the sustainable development of geoparks should be valued.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), writing up journal article with the supervisor/s,
- Processing a power point presentation, compilation of comparative studies and databases,
- Participation in the topic-related online /hybrid events (4GEON project).
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor
- Power point presentation
- Comparative studies
- Ethnographic case studies of Indigenous people in geoparks and their Indigenous knowledge (interviews)
- Databases of 4 GEON geoparks
- Or other agreed outcomes
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/
Geopark as a Place of Popularization of Earth Heritage – Promotion, Interpretation and Gamification of Geological Heritage
University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Recreology and Tourism
Topic Overview:
Geopark as a geotourism destination – its contribution and potential for sustainable development of both urban and rural areas.
Geotourism represents a specific form of sustainable tourism focusing on the interpretation of the Earth heritage (e.g. volcanic, glacial, karstic phenomena and landforms). Geoparks’ management can be well considered as a specific form of tourism destination management. Geoparks, however, implement a wider scope of activities; geotourism is just one of them and serves primarily as a tool of environmental education and support of cultural identity of the people living in geopark. Destination management, on the other hand, is professionally specialized in tourism management so that the geopark usually cooperates with the destination management organization competent in its territory.
The basic theses of the interpretation of the geological heritage are usually published in professional (impact) journals, which, due to their character, publication and citation practices, are comprehensible only to a small number of narrowly focused experts. However, it is a matter of skill that can be mastered through study and practice to interpret the same knowledge also to a wider circle of people interested in the natural sciences and the general spread of education. Currently, it can be considered probable that most of the population knows about the most powerful geological events (earthquakes, dense gravity currents, volcanism, floods…) from the web (YouTube, Pinterest), but cannot recognize the material remains of these events in the surrounding nature. Graduated geologists can learn this ability and develop it to a professional level in suitable natural and social conditions (=geoparks, national parks, etc.). The specific implementation can then take the form of excursions, lectures, information brochures, posters, web resources, etc.
Tasks:
The student’s involvement may include, by agreement:
- Participation in the topic-related research (quantitative / qualitative), focused on the perception of geological heritage and past life among children of different ages, in different cultures,
- Application of the acquired knowledge in the creation of image content for the social networks Pinterest (https:cz.pinterest.com/4geon/), Nightcafe (https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON) and Geoedugameweb (https://www.geoedugame.com/),
- Proposal of the simple games and contests or other gamification elements for popularization/ interpretation of the geological heritage,
- Writing journal article.
Requirements:
Responsibility, good communication skills, excellence in English (C1-C2 level). Spanish B2 or better is also appreciated. Interest in topic.
Outcomes:
The expected outcomes may include, by agreement:
- Joint journal article with the supervisor/s
- Power point presentations, comparative studies
- Graphic and text documents for Pinterest and Nightcafe
- Games created for visitors (gamification)..
References:
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks,
https://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/,
https://www.facebook.com/globalgeoparksnetwork/photos/live2nd-unesco-global-geoparks-youth-meeting-discussion-on-the-activities-of-the/3162042134042146/,
https://www.4geon.org/,
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/?ru=4GEON
Analytical Solution and Stability Analysis of Infinite Set of Differential Equations
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Analytical solution and stability analysis of infinite set of differential equations in form of dx_(i,j)/dt = y_(i,j+1) – y_(i,j-1) and dy_(i)/dt = -x_(i+1,j) – x_(i-1,j).
Outcomes:
Article.
Data Mining Analysis on Interatomic Interactions in Intermetalics
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering
Topic Overview:
Macroscopic properties of condensed matter like phase stability or mechanical properties are determined by a type of chemical interactions between atoms. These interactions can be theoretically studied with help of quantum-mechanical calculations. Nowadays, available computer resources allow to obtain useful data about a large number of existing or hypothetical intermetallic compounds. Data-minig techniques are useful tool for understanding of stability or properties of studied compounds, because they allow to determine possible weakening or strengthening of particular chemical interactions at given chemical composition.
Tasks:
Write a small program for data-mining analysis of quantum-mechanical data.
Requirements:
General knowledge in material physics or chemistry, quantum physics or chemistry and related field at Bachelor degree level, knowledge of linux OS, programing skill in Python or FORTRAN.
Outcomes:
Working program.
References:
DRONSKOWSKI, R. Computational Chemistry of Solid State Materials, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, 2005.
Python Tool for Visualisation and Analysis of Material Properties
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering
Topic Overview:
Macroscopic properties of condensed matter like phase stability and mechanical or magentic properties are determined by a type of chemical interactions between atoms. These interactions can be theoretically studied with help of quantum-mechanical calculations. Nowadays, available computer resources allow to obtain large amount of data about different types of materials including existing or hypothetical intermetallic compounds. Given the fast-increasing availability of such data, tools for their analysis and visualization are more important than ever to reveal the relationsship between interatomic interactions and macroscopic properties of materials.
Tasks:
Write a small program for visualisation and analysis of material data.
Requirements:
General knowledge in materials physics or chemistry, crystalography, materials engineering and related fields at Bachelor degree level, knowledge of linux OS, programing skill in Python.
Outcomes:
Working program writen in Python.
References:
KITTEL, C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th ed. (John Wiley & Sons, Nashville, TN, 2004).
Decision Making and Software Tools for Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
The current business environment is characterized by a gradual transition or change from individual forms of organization to common forms of network functioning of firms. This transformation affects all areas of the company as well as all business processes. This makes the management and decision-making processes of any enterprise a much more complex and demanding discipline. The assignment of the project is oriented towards the identification of potential topics and trends in the field of software decision support against the background of dynamically growing possibilities of using various software tools (e.g. dynamic and process simulation, etc.) or technological possibilities (e.g. robotics and robotic process automation etc.) or management approaches (e.g. process and data analytics, etc.) in the field of operations and supply chain management.
Tasks:
Research of existing literature (i. e. bibliometric analysis), analysis of software tools for modelling, simulation and automation of decision-making processes and their application to operations and supply chain management in different contexts and industries (i.e. literature review, concept analysis, definition of main areas for future research, case study or illustration of best practices, methodology design, etc.).
Requirements:
Office 365/MS Office is required. Basics understanding of business process theory. General knowledge of simulation is welcome.
Outcomes:
Literature review, case study or presentation.
References:
Karlsson, C (ed.) 2024, Research Methods for Operations and Supply Chain Management. 3. edn, Routledge, Abingdon. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003315001.
Notes:
An interdisciplinary theme.
Literature Review Activities in Agricultural and Food Engineering
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
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.
Tasks:
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) image processing;
b) AI in agriculture;
c) computer vision;
d) robotization in agriculture.
Requirements:
Basic skills with text processors (MS Word, LaTeX…)
Outcomes:
Literature review, scientific paper…
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.)
Investigation the Most Effective Energy-Efficient and Zero-Waste Technology Aaimed at Transforming Livestock Farm Manure Into Organic Fertilizers
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Livestock farm manure is a source of ecological pollution in air and ground, at the same time fertility of soils depend on qualitative nutrition and organics. Different technologies exist today for conversion livestock manure to organic fertilizers however the objective is more complex and to find the most energy-efficient and zero-waste technology in usual terms of Czechia and Brazilia.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review. Identification, scientific justification and comparative analysis in details of the most efficient & zero-waste technology.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural and/or Technological Universities. Defence year of Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Scientific publication.
Technology and Procedure of the Organic Certification for Food Processing and Preservation Operators: History, Evolution and Identified Gaps Today
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Review and analysis of the history, evolution and current procedures of bio certification for the food storage and preservation industry. Identification of challenges and tasks for future development of the sustainable food system.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
References:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1167017
Deterioration of Food Quality During Storage and Challenges in External Identification: Certain Product Categories
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
There are some food products that are highly sensitive to climate conditions during storage and whose quality is difficult to identify visually. These foods all require careful storage under specific conditions, and their quality can be compromised even when they appear visually intact. Taste, texture, and aroma often reveal degradation or spoilage better than appearance alone. Specific product categories (2-3) will be defined by supervisor in later stages.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
Development of Educational Materials for a Beginner’s AI Course in Python
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python. The offline mode of internship is preferred.
Tasks:
1. Create basic educational examples in Python to use AI using the PyTorch library.
2. The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python.
3. Devising basic examples suitable for training industrial engineers in AI using the PyTorch library.
4. Creating the datasets needed for the examples.
5. Creation of step-by-step study materials for use in a basic Python course.
Requirements:
Python. Technical thinking.
Outcomes:
Publication.
MATLAB Examples
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
Matlab examples – participate in course development related to Matlab programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in Matlab environment. Examples should be from the technical field. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and testing.
Requirements:
Know how to work with MS Office tools (Word, Excel), know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a simple problem, basic knowledge of Matlab programming.
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
C# - Object Oriented Programming
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
C# examples – participation in course development focused on C# programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in the C# environment oriented on the principle of object-oriented programming – inheritance, etc. Examples should have technical character. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and their testing.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of C# programming, know how to work with MS Office tools, know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a problem, create a simple form application in an object-oriented programming system, create simple algorithms for technical calculations, express an algorithm in a graphical way
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
2D Monte Carlo Simulation of a Set of Vortex Points with Scalable Background Noise
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
2D Monte Carlo simulation of a set of vortex points with scalable background noise like random walk problem.
Tasks:
Work in language C#.
Requirements:
Knowledge of language C#.
Outcomes:
Article.
Analytical Solution and Stability Analysis of Infinite Set of Differential Equations
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Analytical solution and stability analysis of infinite set of differential equations in form of dx_(i,j)/dt = y_(i,j+1) – y_(i,j-1) and dy_(i)/dt = -x_(i+1,j) – x_(i-1,j).
Outcomes:
Article.
Preparation of 3D Geometry of Printable Models
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Preparation of 3D geometry of printable models of several types of water pumps for educational purposes.
Tasks:
Work with open-source program OpenSCAD.
Requirements:
Knowledge of OpenSCAD.
Outcomes:
Printed model.
Data Mining Analysis on Interatomic Interactions in Intermetalics
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering
Topic Overview:
Macroscopic properties of condensed matter like phase stability or mechanical properties are determined by a type of chemical interactions between atoms. These interactions can be theoretically studied with help of quantum-mechanical calculations. Nowadays, available computer resources allow to obtain useful data about a large number of existing or hypothetical intermetallic compounds. Data-minig techniques are useful tool for understanding of stability or properties of studied compounds, because they allow to determine possible weakening or strengthening of particular chemical interactions at given chemical composition.
Tasks:
Write a small program for data-mining analysis of quantum-mechanical data.
Requirements:
General knowledge in material physics or chemistry, quantum physics or chemistry and related field at Bachelor degree level, knowledge of linux OS, programing skill in Python or FORTRAN.
Outcomes:
Working program.
References:
DRONSKOWSKI, R. Computational Chemistry of Solid State Materials, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, 2005.
Python Tool for Visualisation and Analysis of Material Properties
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering
Topic Overview:
Macroscopic properties of condensed matter like phase stability and mechanical or magentic properties are determined by a type of chemical interactions between atoms. These interactions can be theoretically studied with help of quantum-mechanical calculations. Nowadays, available computer resources allow to obtain large amount of data about different types of materials including existing or hypothetical intermetallic compounds. Given the fast-increasing availability of such data, tools for their analysis and visualization are more important than ever to reveal the relationsship between interatomic interactions and macroscopic properties of materials.
Tasks:
Write a small program for visualisation and analysis of material data.
Requirements:
General knowledge in materials physics or chemistry, crystalography, materials engineering and related fields at Bachelor degree level, knowledge of linux OS, programing skill in Python.
Outcomes:
Working program writen in Python.
References:
KITTEL, C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th ed. (John Wiley & Sons, Nashville, TN, 2004).
Decision Making and Software Tools for Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Institute of Management
Topic Overview:
The current business environment is characterized by a gradual transition or change from individual forms of organization to common forms of network functioning of firms. This transformation affects all areas of the company as well as all business processes. This makes the management and decision-making processes of any enterprise a much more complex and demanding discipline. The assignment of the project is oriented towards the identification of potential topics and trends in the field of software decision support against the background of dynamically growing possibilities of using various software tools (e.g. dynamic and process simulation, etc.) or technological possibilities (e.g. robotics and robotic process automation etc.) or management approaches (e.g. process and data analytics, etc.) in the field of operations and supply chain management.
Tasks:
Research of existing literature (i. e. bibliometric analysis), analysis of software tools for modelling, simulation and automation of decision-making processes and their application to operations and supply chain management in different contexts and industries (i.e. literature review, concept analysis, definition of main areas for future research, case study or illustration of best practices, methodology design, etc.).
Requirements:
Office 365/MS Office is required. Basics understanding of business process theory. General knowledge of simulation is welcome.
Outcomes:
Literature review, case study or presentation.
References:
Karlsson, C (ed.) 2024, Research Methods for Operations and Supply Chain Management. 3. edn, Routledge, Abingdon. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003315001.
Notes:
An interdisciplinary theme.
Literature Review Activities in Agricultural and Food Engineering
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
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.
Tasks:
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) image processing;
b) AI in agriculture;
c) computer vision;
d) robotization in agriculture.
Requirements:
Basic skills with text processors (MS Word, LaTeX…)
Outcomes:
Literature review, scientific paper…
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.)
Investigation the Most Effective Energy-Efficient and Zero-Waste Technology Aaimed at Transforming Livestock Farm Manure Into Organic Fertilizers
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Livestock farm manure is a source of ecological pollution in air and ground, at the same time fertility of soils depend on qualitative nutrition and organics. Different technologies exist today for conversion livestock manure to organic fertilizers however the objective is more complex and to find the most energy-efficient and zero-waste technology in usual terms of Czechia and Brazilia.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review. Identification, scientific justification and comparative analysis in details of the most efficient & zero-waste technology.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural and/or Technological Universities. Defence year of Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Scientific publication.
Technology and Procedure of the Organic Certification for Food Processing and Preservation Operators: History, Evolution and Identified Gaps Today
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
Review and analysis of the history, evolution and current procedures of bio certification for the food storage and preservation industry. Identification of challenges and tasks for future development of the sustainable food system.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
References:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1167017
Deterioration of Food Quality During Storage and Challenges in External Identification: Certain Product Categories
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Technology and Cybernetics
Topic Overview:
There are some food products that are highly sensitive to climate conditions during storage and whose quality is difficult to identify visually. These foods all require careful storage under specific conditions, and their quality can be compromised even when they appear visually intact. Taste, texture, and aroma often reveal degradation or spoilage better than appearance alone. Specific product categories (2-3) will be defined by supervisor in later stages.
Tasks:
Deep Literature Review.
Requirements:
For outstanding students from Agricultural/Food/Technological/Economic Universities. Defence year of Bc./Mgr./ Ing. Degree is preferred.
Outcomes:
Literature review report (Introduction section for a scientific manuscript).
Development of Educational Materials for a Beginner’s AI Course in Python
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python. The offline mode of internship is preferred.
Tasks:
1. Create basic educational examples in Python to use AI using the PyTorch library.
2. The goal of the internship which can be done both online and offline is to create materials for an AI course for a beginner’s course in Python.
3. Devising basic examples suitable for training industrial engineers in AI using the PyTorch library.
4. Creating the datasets needed for the examples.
5. Creation of step-by-step study materials for use in a basic Python course.
Requirements:
Python. Technical thinking.
Outcomes:
Publication.
MATLAB Examples
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
Matlab examples – participate in course development related to Matlab programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in Matlab environment. Examples should be from the technical field. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and testing.
Requirements:
Know how to work with MS Office tools (Word, Excel), know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a simple problem, basic knowledge of Matlab programming.
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
C# - Object Oriented Programming
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
Topic Overview:
C# examples – participation in course development focused on C# programming, including studying literature from various sources.
Tasks:
Own creation of examples in the C# environment oriented on the principle of object-oriented programming – inheritance, etc. Examples should have technical character. Creation of assignments for examples, including analysis, description of solutions and their testing.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of C# programming, know how to work with MS Office tools, know how to work with PC, design an algorithm to solve a problem, create a simple form application in an object-oriented programming system, create simple algorithms for technical calculations, express an algorithm in a graphical way
Outcomes:
Chapters in course.
2D Monte Carlo Simulation of a Set of Vortex Points with Scalable Background Noise
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
2D Monte Carlo simulation of a set of vortex points with scalable background noise like random walk problem.
Tasks:
Work in language C#.
Requirements:
Knowledge of language C#.
Outcomes:
Article.
Analytical Solution and Stability Analysis of Infinite Set of Differential Equations
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Analytical solution and stability analysis of infinite set of differential equations in form of dx_(i,j)/dt = y_(i,j+1) – y_(i,j-1) and dy_(i)/dt = -x_(i+1,j) – x_(i-1,j).
Outcomes:
Article.
Preparation of 3D Geometry of Printable Models
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power System Engineering
Topic Overview:
Preparation of 3D geometry of printable models of several types of water pumps for educational purposes.
Tasks:
Work with open-source program OpenSCAD.
Requirements:
Knowledge of OpenSCAD.
Outcomes:
Printed model.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Education
University of Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Applied Linguistics
Topic Overview:
This research will explore the usefulness of artificail intelligence (AI) in the process of foreign language education (FLE). This is an important issue since the present young generation was born into the technological environment and they perceive technologies as indispensable part of their everyday life, including education. However, they mainly use technologies in their informal learning, but there is not much research into the latest AI technologies in FLE. To cover this gap, this research aims to focus on evaluation of usefulness of these AI technologies and their directed and useful implementation into formal FLE. The research includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, e.g. questionnaire surveys, experiments, or interpretation analyses.
Tasks:
Conducting the set questionnaire surveys or experiments, analysing data, drafting parts of a joint article.
Requirements:
Candidate who are able to conduct a literature review in the world´s databases, such as Web of Science or Scopus, participate in performing questionnaire surveys or experiments, and possibly be able to do the statistical analysis.
Outcomes:
A joint publication in a Scopus, Web of Science journal, preferably with an impact factor.
References:
Klimova, B., & de Paula Nascimento e Silva, C. (2024). Enhancing foreign language learning approaches to promote healthy aging: A systematic review. J Psycholinguist Res, 53, 48. Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., & Al-Obaydi, L. H. (2024). Exploring the potential of ChatGPT for foreign language education at the university level. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1269319. Polakova, P., & Klimova, B. (2024). Implementation of AI-driven technology into education – a pilot study on the use of chatbots in foreign language learning. Cogent Education, 11 (1), 2355385. Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2023). Cognitive gain in digital foreign language learning. Brain Sciences, 13(7),1074. Pikhart, M., Klimova, B., Ruschel, F.B. (2023). Foreign language vocabulary acquisition and retention in print text vs. digital media environments. Systems, 11, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/ systems1101003 Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., Kacetl, J. (2023). Ethical issues of the use of AI-driven mobile apps for education. Front. Public Health, 10, 1118116. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1118116.
Note:
Our department is also open to any other topic related to foreign language education.
Transmission of Anti-Gender Radicalism within Right-Wing Parties, Movements, and Communities in Selected Latin American Countries
Metropolitan University Prague, Department of International Relations and European Studies
Topic Overview:
This research project aims to analyze the mechanisms by which anti-gender radicalism is transmitted within right-wing parties, movements, and communities in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru. These countries have been selected due to the significant presence of anti-gender radical networks within their right-wing political spheres. The project seeks to critically evaluate the ideological foundations, key actors, and channels through which anti-gender rhetoric and strategies are propagated in these nations, with particular emphasis on how these discourses intersect with issues of nationalism, religion, and traditional values.
Task:
The intern will assist in gathering and analyzing data related to the dissemination of anti-gender radicalism in the selected countries.
Specific tasks include:
- Collecting and coding relevant documents, speeches, and media content for qualitative data analysis.
- Conducting a comparative discourse analysis to identify key narratives and framing techniques used by right-wing actors.
- Assisting in social network analysis (SNA) to map out the relationships and influence among key figures and groups within these networks.
- Supporting the preparation of research outputs, including literature reviews, reports, and presentations.
Requirements:
General understanding of the concepts of gender studies, right-wing radicalism, and political movements. Ability to work independently and manage data collection tasks under supervision.
Outcomes:
A comprehensive review of existing documents relevant to anti-gender radicalism in the targeted Latin American countries.
A database of analyzed documents.
Contribution to a final report or presentation summarizing the findings of the research.
Depending on the intern’s capacity, the outcomes can range from data collection to contributing to the discourse analysis and its presentation in a research paper.
References:
Ramos, J. M., & Torres, P. (2020). The Right Transmission: Understanding Global Diffusion of the Far-Right. Populism, 3(1), 87-120. https://doi.org/10.1163/25888072-BJA10001
Dietze, G., & Roth, J. (Eds.). (2020). Right-Wing Populism and Gender: European Perspectives and Beyond. Routledge.
Kuhar, R., & Paternotte, D. (Eds.). (2017). Anti-Gender Campaigns in Europe: Mobilizing against Equality. Rowman & Littlefield International.
Aiko Holvikivi, Billy Holzberg, Tomás Ojeda. Transnational Anti-Gender Politics: Feminist Solidarity in Times of Global Attacks. (2024). Springer International Publishing.
Knoke, D., & Yang, S. (2008). Social Network Analysis (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Van Dijk, T. A. (2015). Critical Discourse Analysis. In D. Tannen, H. E. Hamilton, & D. Schiffrin (Eds.), The Handbook of Discourse Analysis (2nd ed., pp. 466-485). Wiley-Blackwell.
Representation of Brazilian Indigenous Women in Politics
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The election of Jair Bolsonaro in Brasil has caused heated debate about the rights of local indigenous people. The actual president doesn’t hide his aversion to the indigenous minority, defending big capital and extraction at the expense of indigenous territorial rights and cultural integrity. At the same time the president also has made himself famous for various misogynist statements. Taken together presidents’ declarations, first governmental steps and its ideological orientation, the situation in Brasil under the lead of Jair Bolsonaro seems to be especially detrimental for indigenous women that would experience the negative impact of governmental policies in both temathic fields. That is why this intership will ask students to examine the possibilities of Brasilian indigenous women for political representation. We are especially interested in the trends of indigenous women’ political representation be it descriptive or substantive under the actual government in comparison with previous ones. In this sense the students would focus on indigenous women representatives in state power structures (parliament, government) and content of policies relevant for this sector of society.
Tasks:
Analysing trends and structure of Brasilian indigenous women representation.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, database of indigenous women representatives in state power structures.
Threats to Academic Freedom in Brazil
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The academic freedom has become a hot topic in Brasil when the actual government of Jair Bolsonaro announced its plans to dramatically cut down the budget of Universities with respect to social sciences. These political intentions to restrict leeway of Universities and getthem under the political control is not exceptional to Brasilian context, considering the highly restrictive measures of Hungarian government towards Central European University in Budapest. That is why this internship will ask the students to work with legal measures of actual government that aim at functioning of universities and their research activities. We are mostly interested in the governmental efforts to restrict academic freedom be it limitations on budgets or more indirect forms such as career limitations for politically critical academics and so on.
Tasks:
Looking for direct and indirect forms of limitation of academic freedom from the part of Brazilian government. Looking for all kinds of restrictions against Universities with respect to social sciences.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, governmental decrees and legal measures, rules and restrictions of academic freedom; possible cooperation on publication.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Education
University of Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Informatics and Management, Department of Applied Linguistics
Topic Overview:
This research will explore the usefulness of artificail intelligence (AI) in the process of foreign language education (FLE). This is an important issue since the present young generation was born into the technological environment and they perceive technologies as indispensable part of their everyday life, including education. However, they mainly use technologies in their informal learning, but there is not much research into the latest AI technologies in FLE. To cover this gap, this research aims to focus on evaluation of usefulness of these AI technologies and their directed and useful implementation into formal FLE. The research includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, e.g. questionnaire surveys, experiments, or interpretation analyses.
Tasks:
Conducting the set questionnaire surveys or experiments, analysing data, drafting parts of a joint article.
Requirements:
Candidate who are able to conduct a literature review in the world´s databases, such as Web of Science or Scopus, participate in performing questionnaire surveys or experiments, and possibly be able to do the statistical analysis.
Outcomes:
A joint publication in a Scopus, Web of Science journal, preferably with an impact factor.
References:
Klimova, B., & de Paula Nascimento e Silva, C. (2024). Enhancing foreign language learning approaches to promote healthy aging: A systematic review. J Psycholinguist Res, 53, 48. Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., & Al-Obaydi, L. H. (2024). Exploring the potential of ChatGPT for foreign language education at the university level. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1269319. Polakova, P., & Klimova, B. (2024). Implementation of AI-driven technology into education – a pilot study on the use of chatbots in foreign language learning. Cogent Education, 11 (1), 2355385. Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2023). Cognitive gain in digital foreign language learning. Brain Sciences, 13(7),1074. Pikhart, M., Klimova, B., Ruschel, F.B. (2023). Foreign language vocabulary acquisition and retention in print text vs. digital media environments. Systems, 11, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/ systems1101003 Klimova, B., Pikhart, M., Kacetl, J. (2023). Ethical issues of the use of AI-driven mobile apps for education. Front. Public Health, 10, 1118116. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1118116.
Note:
Our department is also open to any other topic related to foreign language education.
The Choice of a Tourist Destination (Security)
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, Institute of Public Administration and Regional Studies
Topic Overview:
The choice of a tourist destination is increasingly subject to inquiry of its security situation. In the past, we have already developed a simple and generally applicable method to identify the perception of the safety of a tourist destination, which has been verified on several cases in Europe and in Colombia.
Tasks:
The aim of the work will be to carry out a survey among (domestic and foreign) tourists in selected destinations in Brazil based on the existing methodology and prepared questionnaire and to process the obtained results into a research report or expert article.
Requirements:
Communication skills – to conduct a personal questionnaire survey, the ability to evaluate and process the report from the survey (under the guidance and in cooperation with the supervisor).
Outcomes:
Research report and/or scientific article.
References:
Possible readings:
PONDĚLÍČEK, Michael, Vladimíra ŠILHÁNKOVÁ, Armando ALFARO VALERO a Jefferson ARIAS GOMÉZ. Perception of risk as a barrier in tourist destination development. A key study from Colombia. In Klímová, V., Žítek, V. (eds.) XXII. mezinárodní kolokvium o regionálních vědách. Sborník příspěvků. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2019. s. 583-591. ISBN 978-80-210-9268-6. DOI 10.5817/CZ.MUNI.P210-9268-2019-74. Available at: https://www.econ.muni.cz/do/econ/soubory/katedry/kres/4884317/proceedings2019-articles/2019-074.pdf
Black Holes in Art & Literature
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Electronic Culture and Semiotics
Topic Overview:
After their “golden age” in the 1960s, black holes did not stop attracting both writers of science fiction and visual artists. In fact, black holes replaced the traditional suns and became the principal metaphorical objects of contemporary philosophy, especially regarding the post-Hegelian “displacement” of man and the general distrust in his “belonging” to the cosmos. The chapter in the upcoming monograph will focus on the iconological analysis of the period imagery of black holes to expose them as the period’s typical “heroes of the unfriendly space,” including the popularizations of the contemporary physical theories (Steven Weinberg and others)
Tasks:
To do the research regarding the subjects of black holes / black suns in (contemporary) art and literature. Since the amount of material to be studied is more than vast, the student(s) will choose a specific sector/field after our first consultation.
Requirements:
Responsibility, thoroughness, English language skills (French and/or German language skills are very welcome, but not mandatory). Preferably some previous experiences with the systematic research work.
Outcomes:
Extensive English collective monograph (expected to be published in 2025 by Karolinum, Prague, including Open Access).
References:
IMPORTANT NOTE: These sources are just preliminary. I am looking for the instances that are NOT mentined in these encyclopedias (in contemporary art, magazines, novels etc.).
https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/black_holes
Lingel, J., Sutko, D., Lichfield, G., & Sinnreich, A. (2016). Black Holes as Metaphysical Silence. International Journal of Communication, 10 5684-5692. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/598
http://blackholes.stardate.org/popculture.html
https://jila.colorado.edu/~ajsh/courses/astr2030_12/bhmovies.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_holes_in_fiction
Don D’Ammassa: Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
Brian M. Stableford: Science Fact and Science Fiction: An Encyclopedia
Gary Westfahl: The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders
Gary Westfahl: Science Fiction Literature through History: An Encyclopedia [2 volumes]
https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/black_holes
Lingel, J., Sutko, D., Lichfield, G., & Sinnreich, A. (2016). Black Holes as Metaphysical Silence. International Journal of Communication, 10 5684-5692. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/598
http://blackholes.stardate.org/popculture.html
https://jila.colorado.edu/~ajsh/courses/astr2030_12/bhmovies.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_holes_in_fiction
Don D’Ammassa: Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
Brian M. Stableford: Science Fact and Science Fiction: An Encyclopedia
Gary Westfahl: The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders
Gary Westfahl: Science Fiction Literature through History: An Encyclopedia [2 volumes]
Varieties of Historical Antropology
Charles University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of History
Topic Overview:
This is a theme in the theory of history that interconnects the study of history and (socio)cultural anthropology. The interdiscipline of historical anthropology has taken many forms in various regions globally. A comparative approach is therefore both desirable and promising. Academic journals that set as their goal to pursue and promote the interdisciplinary study of history and cultural anthropology can serve as useful study material in this sense. In what ways have journals defined and shaped the field of historical anthropology, and what have been the regional varieties of this field of study globally?
Tasks:
1) Identification of academic journals that have focused on historical anthropology and have paved the way for research in this field;
2) Identification of programmes, objectives and research agendas that these journals have set and promoted;
3) Formulation of research questions (jointly with the supervisor).
Requirements:
Master´s degree level, background in the study of history, (socio)cultural anthropology or both, an asset: reading knowledge of German.
Outcomes:
Literature review/bibliographic essay.
Dialogues and Frictions Between Epistemologies, Ontologies and Systems of Values
Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Anthropology
Topic Overview:
Growing claims are emerging toward symmetric dialogues between diverse epistemologies, ontologies and systems of values. The diversification of academic panorama, with the inclusion of students from Amerindian, quilombola, and “traditional communities” backgrounds, requires to rethink tensions between hegemonic and alternative knowledge and practices. This redefinition goes along with the recognition of potentialities of previously marginalized knowledges and practices in discussing local and global socio-environmental crisis and marginalizations, as well as in pluralizing and decolonizing theoretical debates.
In this panorama, we wish to map, describe, and reflect on how encounters and des-encounters between alternative knowledges and practices promote readdressing both theoretical and empirical efforts in hegemonic debates. We will discuss both specific ethnographic cases as well as general discussions, focusing on the possible dialogues and frictions between alternative epistemologies, ontologies and systems of values shaping knowledges and practices as they are suggested in anthropology and other disciplinary fields.
Tasks:
Participants will collectively work on:
1) mapping on-going debates on dialogues between alternative knowledges and practices in academics and beyond;
2) deepening specific ethnographic case studies from their own experiences or from bibliography; and
3) preparing joint research papers (systematic literature reviews, data analysis, translations, referencing etc.).
Requirements:
The internship is open to students of any disciplinary field. Basics in qualitative methodology, English (B2), Spanish (optional).
Outcomes:
Poster, scientific paper/conference proceeding/book chapter.
Using OpenStreetMap in Mapping Brazil's Rural Areas
Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography
Topic Overview:
Mapping remote parts of the world is not commercially interesting. Fortunately, there is a service called OpenStreetMap, which creates a map of the entire world created by volunteers. There are many tools that can be used to map the world, including those using artificial intelligence.
Tasks:
Learn about different OpenStreetMap mapping tools, try to map a selected remote part of the Brazilian countryside and compare mapping tools. The ambition is also to participate in an online international mapathon and prepare a paper for an international conference describing the mapping experience.
Outcomes:
Report presenting the possibilities of using OpenSTreetMap for remote mapping in the case of Brazil’s rural areas, presented during the FOSS4G conference in Belem, 2024.
Traffic Flow Speed – Influencing Factors
University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Economics, Department of Applied Economics and Economy
Topic Overview:
The general topic and aim of research are to analyse vehicle drivers behaviour, their reaction time, soft factors which influence traffic flow speed.
Tasks:
On side (street) data collection, statistical data collection, literature survey.
Requirements:
English knowledge, basic statistical knowledge, interest in topic.
Outcomes:
Paper.
Family Memories and (Genetic) Genealogy
Palacky University in Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of History
Topic Overview:
Genealogy, in other words, family history, is one of the world´s most widespread hobbies. For a few years now, millions of people around the world have been using genetic genealogy databases like Ancestry.com or GedMatch for this hobby. This topic combines research on family memories (as an integral part of the memory studies field), in particular the memories of WWII and communism, and (genetic) genealogy.
Requirements:
The experience in genealogy and usage of the genetic genealogy databases is welcome. The knowledge of other languages (apart from English and Portuguese) is an advantage.
AI in Research in Humanities
Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology
Topic Overview:
In this project participants will search and test free AI tools for research in humanities including their advantages and disadvantages.
Tasks:
On the sample of selected papers, participants will test differences between processing of selected articles with the traditional style of text processing and the process supported by AI tools.
Requirements:
We are looking for an internally driven, results-oriented individual with a systematic approach to work – the intern’s independent work will predominate, supplemented by regular small-scale consultations. Experience with academic databases is welcomed. Academic English for text understanding is necessary as well as a enthusiasms with technology, tools and passion for understanding of all features of a specific software.
Outcomes:
Comparison of selected tools, SWOT analysis.
References:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mushtaqbilalphd/ – go through the post of this author and try to get oriented (+ search for other similar influencers in this area).
Feud and Vengeance in Pre-Modern Latin America
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Institute of History
Topic Overview:
Feud and vengeance belong to the concepts that are widely researched in the framework of European history. The topic has been explored from different standpoints for a long time and furthermore, an important intercultural perspective has been frequently applied recently. However, the research space for conducting such approach in the field of pre-modern Latin American history seems still unused.
Tasks:
The supervisor offers his experience and knowledge of research approaches to the topic. He will provide an applicant with methodological texts and assist him/her with the research.The applicant will be expected to get acquainted with the provided theory and methodology and then to work on the issue on his/her own applying the aforementioned approaches with the use of the Latin American scholarly literature and archives. The research output shall be published in English in the form of a journal article (percentage of supervisor´s and applicant´s share on the result is open for their common agreement after specification of the research scope).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of political thought, social history.
Outcomes:
Article.
Threats to Academic Freedom in Brazil
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Department of Politics
Topic Overview:
The academic freedom has become a hot topic in Brasil when the actual government of Jair Bolsonaro announced its plans to dramatically cut down the budget of Universities with respect to social sciences. These political intentions to restrict leeway of Universities and getthem under the political control is not exceptional to Brasilian context, considering the highly restrictive measures of Hungarian government towards Central European University in Budapest. That is why this internship will ask the students to work with legal measures of actual government that aim at functioning of universities and their research activities. We are mostly interested in the governmental efforts to restrict academic freedom be it limitations on budgets or more indirect forms such as career limitations for politically critical academics and so on.
Tasks:
Looking for direct and indirect forms of limitation of academic freedom from the part of Brazilian government. Looking for all kinds of restrictions against Universities with respect to social sciences.
Requirements:
This internship is generally suitable for students of political science (or law).
Outcomes:
Reviews of literature/documents, governmental decrees and legal measures, rules and restrictions of academic freedom; possible cooperation on publication.
Central European Photographers Active in Brazil in the First Half of the Twentieth Century
Masaryk University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Art History
Topic Overview:
The topic focuses on central European photographers who were active in Brazil in the first half of the twentieth century, as well as Brazilian photographers who came to Europe. A particular focus should be on women photographers, how they built their careers and what kinds of photographs they took/ where they published them. The key aspect of the project is to establish which exchanges there were between Brazil and central Europe (Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria) in modern photography in the first half of the twentieth century, approximately.
Tasks:
To compile relevant literature and to organise it with a view on networks and exchanges. Together with the supervisor, the goal will then be to critically assess these sources to formulate a critical argument (regular meetings).
Requirements:
Interest in modern art and visual culture in the first half of the twentieth century and in gender studies. Basic knowledge of modern history and of navigating databases, libraries and journals. Interest in cultural exchanges between Brazil and central Europe and women’s roles within it.
Outcomes:
A literature review of Brazilian–central European exchanges in photography in the early twentieth century, with particular focus on women photographers. Potential publication in an English-language, peer-reviewed, open access journal (collaboration between student and supervisor).