The influence of a polycrystals' grain structure on elastic wave scattering is studied with analytical and numerical methods in a broad frequency range. A semi-analytical attenuation model, based on an established scattering theory, is presented. This technique accurately accounts for the grain morphology without prior assumptions on grain statistics. This is achieved by incorporating a samples' exact spatial two-point correlation function into the theory. The approach is verified by using a finite element method (FEM) to simulate P-wave propagation in 3D Voronoi crystals with equal mean grain diameter, but different grain shape uniformity. Aluminum and Inconel serve as representatives for weak and strong scattering cubic class materials for simulations and analytical calculations. It was found that the shape of the grains has a strong influence on the attenuation curve progression in the Rayleigh-stochastic transition region, which was attributed to mode conversion scattering. Comparisons between simulations and theory show excellent agreement for both materials. This demonstrates the need for accurately taking the microstructure of heterogeneous materials into account, to get precise analytical predictions for their scattering behaviour. It also demonstrates the impressive accuracy and flexibility of the scattering theory which was used.

The impulse stimulated thermal scattering experimental technique is used for contactless in situ detection of phase transitions in thin nickel-titanium films deposited on silicon substrates. It is shown that this technique enables thedetermination of thelocal properties of the film over a fully coated wafer, in particular the thickness of the film and the temperature dependence of theYoung's modulus, and canthus beused for monitoring of the spatial distribution of thefunctional properties in films prepared by a combinatorial sputtering approach.

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The present paper focuses on corporate social responsibility in public administration. The subject of interest is the South Moravia Region and enterprises seated there. The subject of the present research includes overall awareness of the inquired enterprises about corporate social responsibility and activities of the South Moravian Region Authority related to corporate social responsibility of the institution. The research has brought conclusions testifying a certain level of knowledge of the CSR concept among enterprises, albeit on the basic level only. The awareness of socially responsible activities of the regional authority was very low and therefore further steps of this institution must be considered to improve communication of CSR activities and develop an environment for better cooperation of the public and the private sector in this area. The research was based on secondary data drawn from annual reports of the South Moravian Region Authority and on primary data obtained by questionnaire-based inquiry among 384 enterprises doing business in the South Moravia Region.