bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Fraternity of the Art Academy of Latvia “Dzintarzeme”: Latvian National Art Conservation Policy in Exile (1958–1987)
Authors: Lesničenoka Agnija
Published: December 2019

After the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, Latvia experienced a rapid influx of youth into its capital city of Riga, looking to obtain education in universities. Students began to build their academic lives and student societies. In 1923, students of the Art Academy of Latvia founded the “Dzintarzeme” (“Amberland”) fraternity. The aim of “Dzintarzeme” was to unite nationally minded students of the Art Academy of Latvia and to promote the development of national art and self-education. Most “Dzintarzeme” members were faithful to the old masters and Latvian art. This phenomenon is significant, because “Dzintarzeme” members grew up with Latvian painting traditions, which are a remarkable heritage of interwar Latvia.

In 1940, when Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union, “Dzintarzeme” was banned. A part of “Dzintarzeme” members were deported, killed in war, went missing, or stayed in the Latvian SSR; the remaining chose exile. Although scattered throughout the United States of America, Canada, and Australia, some members were able to rebuild and sustain the fraternity’s life, gathering its members, organising trips and anniversary art exhibitions.

The aim of this research is to reflect on “Dzintarzeme’s” activities in exile (1958–1987), focusing on the main factors of Latvian national art conservation policy: first, the ability of “Dzintarzeme’s” ideology to preserve the values of Latvian national art in an international environment, and second, the problem of generational change and the enrollment of young Latvian artists who continued to maintain “Dzintarzeme” values in exile.
Integration of Handheld Guides in Museums: The Case of Lithuania’s Art Museums
Authors: Rutkauskaitė Milda
Published: December 2019

The most common technological device found in organisations of cultural heritage is a handheld guide. This device can simultaneously perform several functions, and its integration in permanent expositions has significance both for the operation of organisations of cultural heritage and experience of visitors when they visit a museum or a gallery. It should be noted that art museums and galleries encounter a task to present often static and difficult to understand at first sight works of art in an interesting fashion. Therefore, in this study, the main functions of a handheld guide as a technological device as well as its benefits, problems, and application in art museums are analysed.

In the first part of the study, various functions of handheld guides, their importance, the meaning produced for the organisation of cultural heritage, and experience of a visitor are analysed based on scientific literature. Problems of integration of handheld guides and strategic steps that should be taken to ensure a successful integration process are reviewed. In the second part, four cases of Lithuanian art museums are presented. All museums that participated in the survey were analysed by collecting observational data, communicating with the managers of the organisations, and analysing the experience of museum visitors using the handheld guide.

Scientific literature presented in the article substantiates the importance of handheld guides in museums and possible problems of integration of such devices. The study conducted in Lithuanian art museums reveals the fact that handheld guides are significant devices that help improve the experience of a museum visitor, but it is also observed that handheld guides have not yet become an integral part of a visit to a Lithuanian art museum.
An Inquiry into the Theory of the Matrix: Subjectivity, Gaze, and Desire in Kristina Inčiūraitė’s Video the Meeting (2012)
Authors: Romanskaitė Diana
Published: December 2019

This article deals with the Matrix theory of subjectivity, gaze, and desire by feminist scholar Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger. Matrixial framework is explored in comparison to Lacanian psychoanalysis. The essay denotes the differences between split Lacanian model of the subject and Matrixial subjectivity based on plurality and continuity. I argue that Lacanian model which grounds the subject in fundamental lack and loss of corporal reality is insufficient for explaining specifically feminine experience in terms of temporality and collective memory, whereas the Matrix theory provides a conceptual apparatus for positive female identification and alliances between the past and the present. Ettinger’s Matrixial model is applied in the analysis of the 2012 video The Meeting by contemporary Lithuanian artist Kristina Inčiūraitė. I claim that the mode of desire in The Meeting is based on Matrixial gaze, which allows to formulate memory as co-created by two partners who share archaic knowledge of the Real, grounded in common relation to female sexual difference and intrauterine condition. Therefore, the article interprets the imagery of the town of Svetlogorsk in the video as coemerged mental images that affect each of the partners. I conclude that the Matrix theory overcomes the phallocentrism of classical psychoanalysis, allowing to reformulate the subject in terms of connectivity, compassion, and abilities to process Other’s trauma through positive cultural change.
Log m-Convex Functions
Authors: Lara Teodoro , Rosales Edgar
Published: December 2019

In this research we lay the concept of log m-convex functions defined on real intervals containing the origin, some algebraic properties are exhibit, in the same token discrete Jensen type inequalities and integral inequalities are set and shown.
Fixed Point Theorems in Complex Valued Extended b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Ullah Naimat , Shagari Mohammed Shehu , Azam Akbar
Published: December 2019

In this article, inspired by the concepts of extended b-metric spaces, we introduce the notion of complex valued extended b-metric spaces. Using this new idea, some fixed point theorems involving rational contractive inequalities are proved. The established results herein augment several significant work in the comparable literature.
Existence Results For A Class Of Nonlinear Degenerate Elliptic Equations
Authors: Cavalheiro Albo Carlos
Published: December 2019

In this paper we are interested in the existence of solutions for Dirichlet problem associated with the degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations

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in the setting of the weighted Sobolev spaces.
Preparation of ceramic nanofibers of iron vanadate using electrospinning method
Authors: Khaksarfard Yasaman , Ziyadi Hakimeh , Heydari Akbar
Published: December 2019

Because of special characteristics of vanadate compound, such as its sustainability, magneticity, high selectivity in reactions and catalytic character, this study aimed to preparation and analyzing novel ceramic iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanofibers. The ceramic nanofibers of iron vanadate were made by the combination of sol-gel and electrospinning methods. First, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as a matrix polymer, was mixed separately with ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and iron (III) nitrate (Fe(NO3)3). As a result, the spinnable polymeric gel was obtained from the controlled mixture of these two precursors of ceramic material. Electrospinning of PVA/iron (III) nitrate/ammonium vanadate solution was done using an Electroris setup that enabled preparation of polymeric template nanofiber. Finally, iron vanadate nanofiber was obtained by calcination of polymer nanofiber at controlled temperature. The products were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis.
Safety Mechanisms in Relational Database as Part of the IT System of the Enterprise
Authors: Berski Szymon , Bilau Martyna
Published: December 2019

The work examines the effectiveness of the replication mechanism of the X production company database. In order to extend the functionality of the computer database of the enterprise, a model of its resource flow was created and an intensional and extensional part was created for a test database based on real enterprise resources. The model has been simplified to 3-rd normal form. The implementation was done in the MySQL database system. Two different operating systems were selected for testing: Windows and Linux. The database management system (DBMS) is working under the GPL license. MySQL DBMS offers many security mechanisms, and to secure the database, system of users permissions to objects have been selected and also an encryption of access passwords for users and connections to servers was used. A replication engine based on the binary log and the model “main server and backup server” was used to create a copy of the enterprise data.
Effect of Steel Cord Tension During the Lapping on Steel Cord Straightness After Lapping
Authors: Knapinski Marcin , Bobarikin Yuri L. , Martyanov Yuri. V.
Published: December 2019

One of the variable parameters in steel cord twisting technologies is the steel cord tension before final reel. Changing this parameter is used to produce steel cord with high quality of straightness. Steel cord straightness is the most important technological parameter after tensile strength. It is simple to change the value of steel cord tension with special mechanisms or devices in composition of cable machines and twisting machines. It is very important to know the measures of tension setting. Low tension causes bad quality of steel cord and defects. High tension may brake steel cord during the twisting and lapping. Also high tension may change the mechanical properties of steel wire in the steel cord construction. The influence of steel cord tension in the range from 9 N to 30 N on active equivalent stresses in wire cross section and macro displacements of wire contact points in steel cord construction was shown. Effect of steel cord tension during the lapping on steel cord straightness after lapping was shown. In this research the optimal tension for producing steel cord 2x0.30HT was defined with numerical simulation, finite element analysis and criteria method. The optimal value of tension for other steel cord constructions will change, because of number of wires and its hardness.
Study of the Vision System’s Impact on Increasing the Reliability of the Production System
Authors: Franek Jakub , Nalepa Bartłomiej
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the paper is to present the validity of the investment of a production plant in the development of production automation. The optimal use of production lines is the way to achieve the right return on investment and profits. Any unplanned stops reduce profitability of production and do not allow to achieve high production output. The introduction of various types of safety devices and process automation allows to prevent unwanted events. In particular, relieving employees of their responsibility and thus avoiding breakdowns caused by operator error can lead to an effective increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). The publication presents a study of the impact of the use of a vision system on increasing the reliability of the production system. As a result, an effective vision system based on a 3D sensor has been developed, which protects the production line against collision of the robot’s chuck plate with final products, thus not leading to the collision and destruction of the robot’s tools. The camera has been implemented in the robot’s control system, which excludes the need to change the settings, because the necessary change of work parameters is made automatically via the communication interface, thus making the work easier for employees when retooling the production machine between orders. Increasing the Overall Equipment Effectiveness and high level of Return Of Investment (ROI) allow for an unequivocal decision on the importance of the investment decision. The financial expense allowed for increasing the efficiency and productivity of production line, which contributes to the growth of the company’s competitiveness. The predictability of lead time has been significantly improved, which led to an increase in customer satisfaction.
The Economic Aspect in Improving the Production Process
Authors: Górska Monika , Daroń Marta
Published: December 2019

In the paper there was presented the role and importance of choosing appropriate quality management methods in making decisions on implementing corrective actions on the example of a selected metallurgical company. There was presented application of the results of production process improving methods, such as 5 Why and FMEA, to indicate corrective actions. Moreover, it was analyzed whether, after introducing these activities, it was possible to eliminate or limit defects in the production process. For this purpose, the level of the RPN index was recalculated – after the changes were introduced. Furthermore, the costs of defects before and after the introduction of corrective actions were estimated.
Low-carbon Transport in Czech-Polish Cross Border Area: Attitude of Czech and Polish Public to Electromobility
Authors: Jursová Simona , Burchart-Korol Dorota , Pustějovská Pavlína
Published: December 2019

The chapter deals with results of cooperation within the project Electromobility in Czech-Polish Cross border Area. The electromobility is presented in comprehensive environmental and social background. The introduction is aimed at transport emission of exhaust gases resulting in global warming and harmful impact on the environment quality. The environment analysis is reflected in view of transport and passenger cars production. The chapter presents results of society analysis defining its attitude to electromobility in the region. The methodology of public questioning was chosen to reveal possibilities for electromobility development in Czech-Polish cross border area. The questions of the survey were formulated to record a public attitude and view of electromobility. The respondents’ answers reflect their awareness of this new sustainable transport.
Analysis of Fire Hazards in a Selected Plant
Authors: Kawałek A. , Choromańska K. , Ozmegov K.
Published: December 2019

The work identifies and analyzes fire hazards in a selected plant - the fuel base. On this basis, the risk of these risks was estimated and methods of their prevention were established using the PHA method.
Work Safety During Usage, Repair and Maintenance of Machines – a Review of Work Safety in the Aspect of Accidents at Work
Authors: Małysa Tomasz
Published: December 2019

The usage, repair and maintenance of machines is one of the areas in which it still records a significant number of accident events. The occurrence of accidents at work generates social and economic costs for the enterprise. Therefore, employers should be take measures to improve safety at the workplace. The publication presents an accident analysis based on a comparison of the following measures: accident rates (i.e. number of accidents, event effects) and ratio analysis (frequency rate indicator and total accident rate indicator). Calculated indicators allowed to determine the accident rate during the usage, repair and maintenance of machines. The analysis covered a five-year period – i.e. 2013-2017. On the basis of the analyzes carried out, the proposal was presented of possible prevention solutions to reduce the number of accidents at work.
Management Styles as Element of Shaping Company Organizational Culture
Authors: Strycharska Dominika , Ogórek Marzena
Published: December 2019

The basis for the functioning of every organization and achieving the set goals are employees. It is they who shape the image, create the organizational culture and reputation of the company in the environment. Their competences, knowledge and skills determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s operations. Thanks to their work, products and services are created that meet social needs and thus organizational progress. The aim of this work was to conduct research on the organization’s ability to identify and retain the best employees, the ability to promote desired attitudes and behaviors, as well as to create a friendly and rewarding work environment that are key factors for business success. Updating the knowledge possessed by employees and developing new skills is often crucial in keeping the organization on the market.
The Influence of the Number of Polyurethane Anti-Vibration Mount on the Vibration Damping Efficiency of Steel Structure
Authors: Nowacki Krzysztof , Łakomy Karolina
Published: December 2019

The publication presents the results of research on the statistically significant impact of the number of layers on vibration damping properties of vibroacoustic mats. The research was carried out on the author’s research stand. The research was carried out on sandwich systems made of polyurethane foam. The impact force of the analyzed variables was determined on the basis of constructed multiple regression models, the so-called multifactor models and determination of the standardized value β. The research was carried out using the PQStat software. In the models being built, the significance level was p < 0.05.

Three statistically significant linear multivariate models for one-third frequencies were constructed:

• 0-20000 Hz – a model for the entire frequency spectrum analysed during the tests,

• 0-400 Hz – a model for frequencies generating construction vibrations that may affect the worker as general vibrations,

• 50-20000 Hz – a model for frequencies that generate construction vibrations that can cause auditory sensations (noise).

It was found: positive correlation of the number of layers in vibration damping systems with a third octave frequency of up to 400 Hz; negative correlation of the number of layers in vibration damping systems with a third octave frequency of 50 to 20000 Hz.
Environmental Protection in Industry 4.0. Opportunities and Threats in Selected Areas
Authors: Gajdzik Bożena , Oleksiak Beata , Pustějovská Pavlína , Tkadlečková Markéta
Published: December 2019

In recent years, the importance of production in cyberphysical systems – CPS characteristic of the new industry concept, which is Industry 4.0 – I 4.0, is gaining importance. Industry 4.0 enforces modification of traditional perception of production. The basis for changes in Industry 4.0 has become Internet of Things – IoT, which gives the opportunity to connect and communicate with each other such areas as mobile solutions, cloud computing, sensors, analytics and cyber security. By new technology, areas that previously operated in enterprises as separate systems can be combined and create new opportunities for industrial production (modernization of production methods and reduce employment). Industry 4.0 brings with it a number of new challenges for producers in the field of environmental protection, and related to the inclusion of cybernetic technology in physical production processes as well as distribution. Production starts and ends on the customer. Industry 4.0 is a collective term for technologies and concepts of value chain organization. The United Nations Organization for Industrial Development indicates the following environmental aspects in the perspective of the development of Industry 4.0, such as: climate change and limited access to resources, primarily to clean energy. It is assumed that changes in the production and functioning of economies will result in a decrease in the emission of harmful compounds into the atmosphere and increase the flexibility of activities for environmental protection. The purpose of this work is to present general directions of changes in the field of environmental protection in Industry 4.0. Authors present the following areas of change: energy management and material management. These areas are opportunities for environmental. In the category of threats, the growing costs of environmental protection and household expenses are pointed out. The work is based on a literature study and statistical data. Statistical data are used: integrated technologies, expenditure and costs of environmental protection, recycling of secondary raw materials and energy consumption for the EU and Poland.
Inconsistencies in the Production Process Resulting From the Employment Structure
Authors: Nowacki Krzysztof , Pawlak Szymon
Published: December 2019

Underestimating the duration of the production process is one of the basic factors determining the occurrence of delays in the duration of individual operations included in the production process. Occurrence of underestimation of production time brings many negative effects, which include, among others: underestimation of the company’s production capacity, accumulation of intermediate stocks, impeded planning of the production process (scheduling of the production process) and increase of production costs. The problem of erroneous estimation of the duration of the production process is most often found in production plants specializing in serial or mass production, implemented in a parallel or series-parallel system. The basic causes that underestimate the duration of the production process include errors in production scheduling, incorrect determination of durations of individual operations carried out as part of the analyzed production process, complexity of production operations and employment structure. The occurrence of delays in the production process can also be affected by accident events that generate underestimation and costs for the enterprise (including social and economic costs). In many cases, many algorithms are used to reduce underestimation and optimization and scheduling of the entire production process. The publication presents an analysis of the production process in which the duration of the production process is underestimated, taking into account the employment structure in the manufacturing company. The analyzes allow to determine the level of underestimation of operations of the production process depending on the form of employment (steel workers – employed under a contract of employment in the production plant, and temporary workers employed by temporary work agencies), identification of the reasons for the underestimation of individual production positions and the length of their time occurrence.
Solvent Extraction of Metal Ions from Sulfate Solutions Obtained in Leaching of Spent Ni-MH Batteries
Authors: Pospiech Beata , Gega Jerzy
Published: December 2019

The nickel metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) are used in many electronic equipment, like cell phones, computers, cameras as well as hybrid cars. Spent batteries can be a rich source of many metals, especially rare earth elements (REE), such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd). Ni-MH batteries also contain iron (Fe) as well as non-ferrous metals, i.e. nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), etc. Leaching of such waste with sulfuric acid solutions is one among many methods recovering of useful metals in hydrometallurgical processes. The main aim of this work was separation of metal ions from pregnant leach liquor (PLL) by solvent extraction using phosphorous compounds and ionic liquids (ILs). The initial pH of the aqueous solution was 0.1. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), bis (2,2,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272), and phosphoniumionic liquid – trihexyl (tetradecyl) phosphonium bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate (Cyphos IL 104) were used as the selective extractants. The initial concentration of the extractants in an organic phase was equal to 0.1 mol∙dm−3. The obtained results show that the highest extraction efficiency was obtained for Fe(III) and Zn(II) in extraction experiments with 0.1 M D2EHPA at pH of 0.1. Ni(II), Co(II) and REE remained in the aqueous solutions. In the next stage, REE were extracted with the mixture of 0.1 M Cyanex 272 and 0.1 M Cyphos IL 104 at pH equal to 3.8. Finally, Ni(II) and Co(II) ions were efficiently removed from the aqueous phase using 0.1 M solution of Cyphos IL 104 at pH around 5.4.
Analysis of Selected Aspects of Knowledge Management in the Context of Their Impact on the Quality Level in Metallurgical Enterprises
Authors: Prusak Rafał , Kardas Edyta
Published: December 2019

The review of definitions allows to state that knowledge management in enterprises is a complex, multi-aspect process requiring the implementation of a number of interrelated mechanisms and instruments. Sharing knowledge can increase employee productivity, team performance and the ability to transform diversity into creativity and organizational innovation. Sharing of knowledge in the enterprise should be implemented both in a formal and informal way and be supported by appropriate communication mechanisms, employee exchange programs, job rotation, mentoring relations, techniques Only a well-constructed, implemented and modified system can ensure achieving the intended goals related, among other things, to ensuring the proper functioning of quality assurance mechanisms. and tools for assessing teamwork, a z system promoting creativity and cooperation. The main purpose of the publication is to present the results of research conducted on a sample of 22 enterprises regarding the analysis of the extent of enterprises’ use of knowledge and human capital potential to improve the quality management. The research focused mainly on the impact of selected elements of management of knowledge and human capital on the level of employee awareness, as well as the number and type of non-compliance of products. The study used a questionnaire and statistical analysis of data from manufacturing processes.
Analysis of use of Methods and Quality Management Tools in a Group of Production Enterprises
Authors: Skuza Zbigniew
Published: December 2019

The publication presents the results of research on the scope of practical use of available methods and tools of quality management by enterprises. The analysis was based on surveys conducted at the Production Management Institute of the Faculty of Production Engineering and Materials Technology of the Częstochowa University of Technology. The presented study applies only to the information collected so far as the research work commenced is still being continued. Currently, data (correctly completed questionnaires) has been collected from fifty one small, medium and large production companies located primarily in the Śląskie and Łódzkie region. Both the organizations surveyed for the needs of this project and the cases cited in the literature indicate that the group of the most commonly used tools and methods is quite limited and in a sense comes down to the most known. This situation may partly result from the specifics of the industry and the nature of production. In addition, providing questionnaire response suggestions (as examples, the most frequently used methods and techniques) may have influenced the choices made by the respondents. At the same time, in some cases, low awareness or insufficient substantive knowledge may have contributed to the belief among the respondents that the techniques are implemented in the enterprise while in reality these techniques have never been used. All remarks and observations noticed at this stage of the research will be taken into account in subsequent analyzes.
Research of the Impact of the Heating Rate on Adhesion of Scale Arising in the Process of Heating of the Steel Charge Before the Plastic Reworking
Authors: Boryca Jarosław , Kolmasiak Cezary , Wyleciał Tomasz , Urbaniak Dariusz , Kizek Jan
Published: December 2019

Before steel materials are subjected to an appropriate heat treatment, they must be preheated. During this process scale is formed, which can be a problem in the proper heat treatment of the steel charge. The preheating process of the steel charge is carried out under specific conditions – parameters. These conditions determine certain properties of scale. One of the most important issues in this context, important from the point of view of the potential removal of scale from the charge surface, is the correlation of the heating process temperature and the adherence of the scale to the steel substrate. The paper presents the results of such research and their discussion. In addition, the methodology for measuring the scale adhesion to steel substrate is presented. Mathematical relations endearing impact of heating rate on the scale adhesion have been developed.
The Rolling Tool Development in Order to Improve the Geometry of a Tube Profile and to Reduce the Wear of Mill Rolls
Authors: Knapinski Marcin , Bobarikin Yuri L. , Radkin Yaroslav I.
Published: December 2019

Increasing the accuracy of the geometrical parameters of tube profiles is one of the priority areas of modern tube industry. The profile of the calibers of rolls of the reeling mill exerts a significant influence over the distribution of stresses that appear in metal during the deformation process and the process of formation of the correct geometry of the obtained rough tube. The method for determining the optimal geometry of a mill roll profile has been developed. In accordance with this method the geometry of the calibers of the continuous three roll reeling mill was calculated. The research of the influence of geometrical parameters of the calibers of mill rolls on the accuracy of the obtained tube profile, the load of the rolling tool and the wear rate of the contact surface of mill rolls and a mandrel was carried out. The numerical simulation method was chosen as a research method. This method allows to carry out rather accurate analysis and to obtain reliable results on the stress-strain and thermal states of a billet during the material processing, gives the possibility to obtain numerical values of stresses, deformations, load parameters of the process, as well as allows to visualize the results that is essential for assessing the accuracy of the tube profile geometry. Numerical experiments of the elongating process of a rough tube on the three roll continuous reeling mill with different grooving of mill rolls were carried out. It was determined that using of the developed grooving will allow to get a rough tube of a higher accuracy with the minimal deviation from the shape of the profile. The use of the developed method of calculating the geometric parameters of the calibers of the continuous reeling mill will allow to obtain calibers with a high degree of resistance to wear due to the reduction of the resistance of the flow of metal and a uniform filling of the calibers in the deformation zone. The use of this grooving of mill rolls will reduce the load acting on the rolling tool during the production of hot-deformed seamless tubes.
Analysis of Circumstances and Causes of Accidents Working in a Selected Industrial Undertaking
Authors: Pałęga Michał , Knapinski Marcin
Published: December 2019

The subject of this publication is to analyze the circumstances and causes of accidents at work in a selected industrial enterprise that provides services in the field of waterjet cutting and laser beam. The paper present the statutory definition of an accident at work and its basic categories (light, heavy, mortal and collective accident). It also discusses the most popular accident investigation method – the TOL method, which classifies the causes of accidents into three basic groups: material-technical, organizational and human. In the further part of the work the characteristics of the waterjet operator’s work station were made, including the scope of activities, possible occupational hazards and preventive actions. Next, the results of the analysis of the circumstances and causes of accidents at work were presented. In the period from 2013 to 2018 eight accidents were reported, resulting in minor injuries, such as cuts and cuts, fracture of the phalanx, overloading of the spine, leg twisting or knee injury.
Food Safety as a Key Factor in the Supply Chain
Authors: Szymonik Andrzej , Chudzik Daniel
Published: December 2019

Food production system, due to the mass scale of its manufacturing, distribution, and consumption, is subject to rigorous protection and control. The analysis of food safety presented in the foregoing publication shows that legal and organizational regulations are not alone sufficient to ensure that the quality of products does not pose a health and environmental threat. The results of the study conducted with the participation of 15 subjects make it evident that the issue of food safety is complex and requires continual monitoring because of ever changing conditions. It is increasingly seen that food safety is a key factor in supply chains, becoming the overriding element of production systems. Production companies spend more and more money on control and modernization of the entire production-related system so that food safety is 100% guaranteed. In the last few years, it can be seen that audits in manufacturing companies that deal with the production and sale of food are largely focused on food safety, process monitoring systems and employee access controls to individual production zones. Not without significance is the fact that additional departments are created in manufacturing companies, whose main task is to control production processes in terms of food safety, both from the side of the safe use of raw materials, packaging and the interference of unauthorized persons. It is absolutely necessary to emphasize that the paper also shows some examples that can already be treated as the first symptoms of food terrorism, which is becoming a deadly tool for current and future food terrorists. The publication emphasizes that food safety in the market reality of that time may be of paramount importance in the supply chains, given the importance and consequences of possible mass contamination of food.
Innovated Technologies of Recycling of Metallic Wastes – Modification of Existing Industrial Processes
Authors: Brožová Silvie , Pustějovská Pavlína , Bilík Jiří , Jursová Simona , Zbranková Monika , Havránek Jaroslav
Published: December 2019

This paper describes interesting operational experiments have been performed in the scope of the project where the process of melting deoxidation was used under improvised conditions of cold blast cupola furnace. The goal was to find out metallurgical effects of added selfreducing briquettes prepared from steel sludge into cupola furnace charge and above all to verify the grade of deoxidation of oxides of iron at keeping output quality of cast metal. Present state of research and development of technologies of iron production in the area of commercial exploitation of these technologies is not in such a position that we could realistically assess their efficiency, investment costs and economic impacts. Moreover, an unequivocal requirement on minimization of CO2 emissions, mainly by its recycling, is here more and more promoted.
Analyzing the Roles of Country Image, Nation Branding, and Public Diplomacy through the Evolution of the Modern Olympic Movement
Authors: Dubinsky Yoav
Published: December 2019

Since the Ancient Greek athletics and through the revivals of the Olympic Movement and the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, countries, cities and governments have sought to take advantage by hosting Olympic Games and other sport events. The purpose of this study is to analyze the different facets of country image through the evolution of the Olympic movement. Countries and governments used and will continue to use the Games to renovate infrastructure, build new facilities, expose local products and new technologies, leverage tourism, improve the local and international political and social image, promote tourism and show superiority on the sports field that will enable them to try and reach their economic, political and social goals. The article is significant as it analyzes how countries, cities, communities, and other pressure groups used the Olympic Games, since the revival of the Olympic Movement in the late 19th century, the new traditions after World War I, the political era after World War II and during the Cold War, the commercialized era and the legacy-oriented era in early 21st century.
Influence of Volitional Competencies on Achievement Goals of People with Physical Disability in Physical Activity Settings
Authors: Proios Ioannis
Published: December 2019

This study’s purpose was to investigate any possible relationship between the goal perspectives (task and ego orientation) and volitional competences (persistence, expedience, and purposefulness) in physical activities settings. Participants were 134 people with a physical disability (103 men and 31 women) with age ranging from 14 to 67 years. All participants participated in physical activities. Participants filled out the Measure Athletes’ Volition – Short (MAV-S), and Task and Ego Orientation in Sports Questionnaire (TEOSQ). Results revealed that volitional competencies are predictors goal perspectives in physical activity settings. In addition, the findings showed that the expedience is a stronger predictor to task orientation, while persistence competence is to ego orientation. In conclusion, the present study is considered to offer new knowledge on the achievement goal orientation people with physical disabilities in physical activity contexts. The first one is that volitional competencies (expedience and purposefulness) are significantly positive predictors of task orientation. The second conclusion is that persistence competence is significantly positive predictor, while purposefulness competence is negative predictor of ego orientation.
A Comparative Study of Leisure Constraints in Outdoor Leisure Activities Depending on Recognition of the Level of Particulate Matter (PM10): Focused on Golf Participants in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Chulhwan , Bum Chul-Ho
Published: December 2019

Particulate matter, one of the most recent social problems in Korea, not only poses a threat to people’s health, but is also emerging as a constraint to discourage outdoor leisure activities. Golf, a leisure sport played outdoors for hours, is not free from such a threat, and now is time to analyze golfers’ recognition of particulate matter. To examine whether particulate matter, among other constraints for golfers, had a significant effect as well as how golfers recognized particulate matter, we used 324 collected questionnaires in this study. After exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis through SPSS 23.0, we divided questionnaire participants into recognition and non-recognition groups based on whether they checked and recognized atmospheric conditions, including particulate matter, before playing golf, and used multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare and analyze leisure constraints. Respondents in the recognition group who recognized particulate matter in advance experienced participation constraints in weather and health factors, while those in the non-recognition group experienced participation constraints in skill and confidence factors. In other words, respondents participated in outdoor leisure activities even though they recognized the level of hazardous particulate matter in the air beforehand, and particulate matter worked as a participation constraint for them; this finding confirmed that it will be necessary in the future to take preventative action more actively against the danger of particulate matter.
Enabling factors for the competitiveness of the Portuguese automotive industry
Authors: Fonseca Luis , Fernandes Jorge , Ramos Sandra
Published: December 2019

The Portuguese automotive industry is a relevant activity sector for the Portuguese society and economy, both in job creation and value-added generation, contributing to the country’s economic development. The automotive is a high challenge industry, with intense competition, a high number of brands, increased number of models and vehicles, tighter regulatory requirements (e.g., emissions), and the need to manage global supplier networks. To succeed in such a highly complex and interconnected industry requires firms to be globally competitive since most of the production of this industry is destined for the rest of the world through export. This research aims to investigate the factors that contribute to value creation and competitiveness of the Portuguese automotive industry. Following the literature review of competitive advantage theories, quantitative research was done through an online questionnaire with Portuguese auto industry firms, to validate the proposed research hypotheses. The statistical analysis of the results, based on the application of descriptive statistics methodologies, principal components analysis, and correlation analysis, allowed to conclude that in this industry sector, the adoption of a strategy of differentiation/focalization and the external context influence value creation. However, it was not possible to conclude if the specific characteristics of the organization influences, or not, the creation of value. From the theoretical point of view, the conclusions demonstrate the relevance of the adoption of a strategy of differentiation and focalization and the external context for the competitiveness of these firms, supporting the assumptions of Porter’s Industry Based Theory and Generic strategies. From the practical point of view, the results highlight the importance of monitoring the external context and investing in research and development, brand image and market expertise, with the aim of enhancing the value creation and competitiveness of the components, tools, and services providers firms of the Portuguese automotive sector.
National innovative performance and sustainable development – the case of Slovakia
Authors: Janoskova Katarina , Kral Pavol
Published: December 2019

Innovation are considered as the engine of sustainability and economic growth. Innovations are an integral part of the business that is expressed in scientific and research activities. If a company want to gain competitive advantage, it must do the business activities in accordance with economic, environmental, social and institutional factors. Business activities in this area are reflected in macroeconomic indicators of the country. This article deals with innovations and sustainable development issues. The main goal of research is testing interaction between innovations and sustainable development through the selected indicators. Summary Innovation Index (SII) represents innovations and sustainable development is represented by the set of indicators from four areas: economic, environmental, social and institutional. The analysis is based on values of the Summary Innovation Index proposed by the European Commission to measure the competitiveness of European countries in terms of innovation activity and values of sustainable development indicators such as GDP per capita, energy intensity of the economy, migration, transport performance, greenhouse gas emissions, application of environmental management system, mining and consumption of mineral resources, etc. The research is carried out on the case of Slovakia with application of mathematical-statistical apparatus (correlation analysis). The main benefit of research lies in the identification of strengths and weaknesses of Slovakia in analysed areas and determining the expected development.
Performance, Trends and Innovations in the Current Trade Sector Context
Authors: Bircea Ioan , Zsido Kinga Emese
Published: December 2019

The commercial sector and especially the food trade in Romania have expanded more and more through the medium of hypermarkets-supermarkets, online commerce, etc. thus dominating the market. The turnover and profit they make are significantly increasing, while small and medium-sized businesses in stores and traditional stores lose customers, their market share is diminishing, profitability is low, and they are confronted with big financial problems. Modern trade tends represent almost 60% of Romania’s total market, which means that small shops are losing ground in detriment of others, despite their currently large number at national level. The study, extended over a period of more than 5 years, includes a comparative analysis of the small and medium-sized enterprises in the food commerce sector of Cluj County and the supermarkets-hypermarkets in Romania. Advantages of hypermarkets - supermarkets, online commerce, etc. in relation to small and medium-sized stores are ultimately reflected in the financial performance. Following the selection of 5 financial indicators, considered by the authors to be representative of the trade sector, and their comparative analysis, one can see the economic and financial situation these small and medium retail companies are facing, if they do not change their strategy. Their disappearance from the Romanian market would result in social and economic consequences and the discontent of a segment of the population.
Entrepreneurship Business Research Skills
Authors: Hamburg Ileana , O’brien Emma , Vladut Gabriel
Published: December 2019

In recent years area of entrepreneurship has gained significant attention nationally and internationally. It is one of the main skills priorities of national governments and EU council. Traditionally associated with commercial activity, entrepreneurship has gained traction as a key competence necessary to allow society as a whole to adapt to the changing economic climate. Small and medium sized companies (SMEs) greatly contribute to employment and wealth in Europe but there are limited studies into the specific skills needs required for SMEs into the future. Skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and entrepreneurship allow learners to adapt to changes, communication, digital skills and teamwork allow learners to collaborate and exploit technology in the changing workplace. Research is a key element of entrepreneurial success, but how these skills particularly workplace-oriented ones improve entrepreneurial culture has not been widely explored in the literature. This paper explores the importance of entrepreneurship today, the skills required to allow our society to become more entrepreneurial and identifies the potential of workplace research skills to develop entrepreneurial capacity in all facets of work, particularly within SMEs. The authors collaborated on many European projects aimed at improving work and education/training of entrepreneurs. The work presented int this paper resulted from surveys conducted within these projects regarding the problems SME staff have in connection with workplace transformation and entrepreneurship education and training. From this the paper proposes a conceptual model to facilitate the development of workplace research skills which will enhance entrepreneurial capacity in SMEs. The problems discussed in this chapter will also be used within the German initiative Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum with the participation of one author. Companies within this program are eager to improve their workplace research skills and change the learning culture and staff behavior in connection with digital workplaces.