A contextual model for assessing the nexus between green innovation practices and enterprise performance

The pursuit of green innovation and sustainable practices is increasingly growing currently because of the alarming environmental concerns and the coexistence of economic expansions. But the strategies employed by companies in exploring green innovation activities have gained little or no attention in literature. This study proposes a conceptual model that outlines green innovation strategies, corporate performance, and the moderating effect of green dynamic capacity. Based on the perspective of the Resource Based viewpoint and the notion of dynamic capabilities, this study addresses a) what is the relationship between green innovation practices and enterprise performance? and b) to what extent do green dynamic capabilities moderate the connection between green innovation practices and enterprise performance? We used a cross-sectional data from SMEs in Ghanaian manufacturing firms, analysed utilizing the advanced PLS-SEM systematic procedures. Our findings revealed a significant relationship between green product innovation, green process innovation, and green service innovation on financial performance and that green dynamic capacity moderate these relationships. Our research contributes to expanding the knowledge of green innovative practices among SMEs in the manufacturing sector. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications, opening numerous options for further research.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/FaME/2023/010, IGA/FaME/2023/012); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTBTomas Bata University [IGA/FaME/2023/010, IGA/FaME/2023/012

Factors influencing internationalization of micro-enterprises and SMEs in Central Europe

Internationalizing a company is particularly challenging for microenterprises and SMEs due to the limited resources available for managing strategic activities. This paper aimed to create a model of the factors influencing the internationalization process of micro-enterprises and SMEs from Central Europe. The study employed principal component analysis to identify latent components of the model, namely innovation, strategic management (SM), and barriers. The factors and their relationships were analyzed using Logit regression and ANOVA. Additionally, the influence of two control variables on the selected factors and barriers to internationalization was examined. The research findings indicate that the most significant barrier to internationalization is the difference in tax policies. Furthermore, a significant correlation exists between innovation and strategic management barriers, while the strategies for innovation depend on the size and age of the company. © 2025, Centre of Sociological Research. All rights reserved.Debreceni Egyetem, D

Study of injection molding process to improve geometrical quality of thick-walled polycarbonate optical lenses by reducing sink marks

This study investigates the challenges and potential of conventional injection molding for producing thick-walled optical components. The research primarily focuses on optimizing process parameters and mold design to enhance product quality. The methods include software simulations and experimental validation using polycarbonate test samples (optical lenses). Significant parameters such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection pressure, and packing pressure were varied to assess their impact on geometric accuracy and visual properties. The results show that lower melt temperatures and higher mold temperatures significantly reduce the occurrence of dimensional defects. Additionally, the design of the gate system was found to be crucial in minimizing defects and ensuring uniform material flow. Effective packing pressure was essential in reducing volumetric shrinkage and sink marks. Furthermore, we monitored the deviation between the predicted and actual defects relative to the thickness of the sample wall. After optimization, the occurrence of obvious defects was eliminated across all sample thicknesses (lenses), and the impact of the critical defect, the sink mark on the planar side of the lens, was minimized. These findings demonstrate the substantial potential of conventional injection molding to produce high-quality thick-walled parts when these parameters are precisely controlled. This study provides valuable insights for the efficient design and manufacturing of optical components, addressing the growing demand for high-performance thick-walled plastic products.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin; [IGA/FT/2024/003]Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin, (IGA/FT/2024/003

Chocolate ganaches: formulation, processing and stability in view of the new production trends

This review aims at the current trends in chocolate ganache production and recipe formulation. Ganache is a blend of chocolate, sugars, dairy, and other ingredients commonly used to fill pralines, pastries, etc. In spite of ganache's popularity in the food industry, a comprehensive review focused on the application of functional substances and ganache processing has not been discussed in the scientific literature. This review addresses the new ways of applying special ingredients, such as vegetable fats and seeds, flavor infusions, oleogels, hemp products, etc., which can be added to the ganache matrix to achieve desirable properties. In particular, the application of sterols and sterol esters as functional substances of oleogels seems to be a very promising method, enhancing the ganache fat profile. The elevated caloric content that is characteristic of ganache can be substantially attenuated through the application of hydrocolloids and/or fruit-based components, thereby offering the potential for caloric reduction without compromising on taste. The various alterations to ganache formulations by the application of natural substances offer a large base for the development of novel ganache variants and relevant food products.Tomas Bata University in Zlin; Palacky University in Olomouc; IGA [PrF-2024-001]; [IGA/FT/2024/005

Sustainability and economic attributes of peer-to-peer accommodation: A cross country perception of Asian tourists

Peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation has expanded the range of offerings in the tourism and hospitality sector. The study explores the familiarity, usage and overall perception towards P2P accommodation among tourists in the Philippines, Thailand and India. It investigates the association among perceived economic benefits, environmental sustainability and socio-demographic characteristics on tourists' overall perception. A web-based survey was deployed in the first quarter of 2020, right in the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. As the travel frequency of tourists cannot be initially ascertained and to capture their usage in the "normal" times, a recall query with respect to their usage over the past six months (June-December 2019) was utilized. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical tests were employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that the familiarity of Thai tourists lags behind other nationalities. Majority have not used P2P accommodation for the past six months; however, overall perceptions remain positive for both active and non-active users. Across nationalities, respondents somewhat agreed on the nuance of economic benefits and environmental sustainability. Moreover, analysis shows its significant positive association with tourists' overall perception.Internal Grant Agency of FaME TBU in Zlin [IGA/FaME/2021/003]; (Consumer behaviour and Performance management of firms in a competitive digital world

The effect of 3D printing orientation on tensile behaviour and fracture mechanisms of Inconel 718

The manuscript aims to study the effect of 3D printing orientation on the tensile behaviour and fracture mechanisms of samples made of Inconel 718. Components of metals using additive manufacturing techniques are crucial in applications where safety, reliability, and trouble-free operation are essential. Therefore, it is vital to study and understand the behaviour of 3D-printed components under various loading types and predict potential failures. The EOS Nickel Alloy IN718 material sheet provides tensile properties of heat-treated samples (per AMS 5664 procedure) built exclusively in the Z direction. Consequently, the authors extended the investigation to include the tensile behaviour of 3D-printed samples in seven basic orientations within the 3D printing machine's workspace. For this purpose, the mechanical properties of Inconel 718 alloy samples manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology were subjected to uniaxial tensile stress. The samples underwent heat treatment according to the AMS 5664 procedure, with solution annealing and aging temperatures determined using a pseudo-binary phase diagram calculated with Thermo-Calc® software. Post-tensile tests and fracture surface observations were conducted to identify the main failure modes. Microstructural and morphological analyses of 3D-printed INCONEL 718 samples were carried out using light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) textural analysis. Phase diagrams indicate expected phases such as γ-phase (FCC_A1), δ-phase (NbNi3_D0A), γ’’-phase (Ni3Ti_D024), Laves phase (C14_Laves), and γ’-phase (FCC_L12). Solution annealing was performed above 940 °C while aging treatment was done at temperatures below 800 °C to allow precipitation of γ’ and γ’’ phases. The δ phase also forms during aging. Fractographic examination of the tensile fractures indicated a predominantly quasi-ductile failure mechanism, with fine-sized dimples observed. In the XZ-oriented samples, the measured yield strength was 11 % higher compared to the Z-oriented samples and the yield strength was more than 12 % higher. The difference in mechanical properties between the Z orientation (Rp0.2 = 1284 MPa and Rm = 1429 MPa) and the XZ orientation (Rp0.2 = 1436 MPa and Rm = 1613 MPa) can be mainly attributed to the texture in the XZ sample and its more equiaxed grain structure compared to the Z sample.Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of Slovak Republic [APVV-19-0550, KEGA 032TUKE-4/2022, KEGA 042TUKE-4/2025

Answer an Image

Is it possible to fulfil a (seemingly anachronic) desire for seeking beauty through its "distortion"? Can a wounded body be depicted as victorious? Who is imitated by "a portrait" of a biblical or mythological character? In what way can a subject be reflected in a used, worn-down thing? And, consequently, in what way is a photograph related to a subject and its particular story? Does it conserve it indefinitely or does it give it some extended "life after life"? What is the place of emptiness in a photographic image and what can be retrieved in it? Is it possible to visualize the sacred through the remains of things that a photograph rips from deterioration caused by time? The work of the photographer Ivan Pinkava is full of questions that are simultaneously the beginnings of answers

Effects of environmental temperature and trapped air bubbles on the mechanical properties of ice cubes

Ice is a widespread material in natural and industrial fields. Trapped air bubbles form in ice cubes due to the differences in the solubility of air in ice and water, which directly affects the mechanical strength of the ice cubes. To investigate the effects of environmental temperature and trapped air bubbles on the mechanical properties of ice cubes, a series of experiments are designed and carried out. A mathematical model that predicts the mechanical strength of ice cubes with an accuracy over 80% is developed and validated. The results show that even a volume content of trapped air bubbles in an ice cube as low as 1.98% can greatly impact the mechanical properties. This model reveals the mechanisms and principles governing the influences of environmental temperature and bubble volume content on the mechanical strength of ice cubes. As the environmental temperature decreases from 0 to −20 °C, the compressive strength of clear ice cubes increases from 1.71 to 2.10 MPa, while that of bubble ice cubes increases from 1.58 to 1.95 MPa. This study has implications for utilizing trapped air bubbles to regulate the mechanical properties of ice and for optimizing various mechanical deicing techniques.Key Laboratory of Icing and Anti; National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC, (52406007, 52076013, 52306003); National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC; Deicing, (IADL20230113, IADL20220304); Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Adminitrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, (3212024, 324406, 3232032); Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Adminitrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park; Beijing Association for Science and Technology, BAST, (BYESS2023352); Beijing Association for Science and Technology, BASTNational Natural Science Foundation of China [52076013, 52406007, 52306003]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [3212024, 324406, 3232032, IADL20230113, IADL20220304]; Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission [BYESS2023352]; Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by BAS

Simulation and experimental study on enhancing dimensional accuracy of polycarbonate light guides

This research investigates the adaptation of conventional injection-molding techniques for producing thick-walled polycarbonate optical components, specifically targeting their application in automotive light guides. With the automotive industry’s growing demand for reliable yet cost-efficient optical products, the study examines how traditional injection-molding processes can be refined to enhance dimensional accuracy and reduce defects. Simulations and experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of critical process parameters, such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection pressure, and gate design, on the overall quality of the final components. The results show that by carefully optimizing these parameters, it is possible to significantly reduce common defects like warpage, surface imperfections, and dimensional instability. This research highlights the potential of existing molding techniques to meet high industry standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness, offering valuable guidance for manufacturers aiming to produce high-quality optical components for demanding applications like automotive lighting.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin, (IGA/FT/2024/003

Enhancing industrial automation: A practical study on communication protocols and EdMES software integration

Developing Communication protocols has played a crucial role in the industry's success. The featured article deals with the main communication protocols used in industrial automation. Materials and methods section summarizes different technologies in primary communication protocols used between devices, represented by the automation pyramid that occurs at different levels or layers. The main contribution of the article is presented in results section as a practical study on using industry protocols with EdMES software to automate production processes. This is maintained by using different communication technologies in an automated process. The article's conclusion specifies the communication technologies identified and how they allow the interaction between other process actors, which are a part of the earlier presented automation pyramid