Analysis of Interactions and Support of Decision Making for the Implementation of Manufacturing Systems 4.0 Methods

For the successful implementation of Manufacturing Systems 4.0 (MS4.0) in medium-sized companies, a structured introduction process is required. Main objective of this process is the analysis and evaluation of MS4.0 methods in order to select those that suit best for each company. The foundation of this process is a structure model to classify and describe MS4.0 methods. A subsequent analysis of interactions among the methods supports the identification and evaluation of effective implementation strategies. Thereby, a model based on system dynamics is applied. Based on the results, the methods are strategically and financially evaluated to select the MS4.0 methods suited for implementation. Finally, a method roadmap can be derived to support management for the strategic decisions in regards of MS4.0 methods

Improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties of high dense SiC ceramics manufactured by high-speed hot pressing

Non-oxide ceramics possess high physical-mechanical properties, corrosion and radiation resistance, which can be used as a protective materials for radioactive wastes disposal. The aim of the present study was the manufacturing of high density SiC ceramics with advanced physical and mechanical parameters. The high performance on the properties of produced ceramics was determined by the dense and monolithic structure. The densified silicon carbide samples possessed good mechanical strength, with a high Vickers micro hardness up to 28.5 GPa.Безкисневі керамічні матеріали демонструють високі фізико-механічні властивості, корозійну та радіаційну стійкість, що роблять їх перспективними кандидатами для використання в якості бар'єрних матеріалів для захоронення радіоактивних відходів. Метою цієї роботи було отримання високощільної SiC-кераміки з вдосконаленими фізичними і механічними властивостями. Високі параметри отриманої кераміки визначаються формуванням високощільної і монолітної структури. Кераміка карбіду кремнію має поліпшену механічну міцність і високу твердість по Віккерсу порядка 28,5 ГПa.Бескислородные керамические материалы демонстрируют высокие физико-механические свойства, коррозионную и радиационную стойкость, делающие их перспективными кандидатами для использования в качестве барьерных материалов для захоронения радиоактивных отходов. Целью настоящей работы было получение высокоплотной SiC-керамики с усовершенствованными физическими и механическими свойствами. Высокие параметры полученной керамики определяются формированием высокоплотной и монолитной структуры. Керамика карбида кремния обладает улучшенной механической прочностью и высокой твердостью по Виккерсу порядка 28,5 ГПa

Wpływ poziomu i jakości białka w mieszankach paszowych dla tuczników na wydalanie azotu do środowiska

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the concentrations and quality of protein in diets for growing-finishing pigs on total protein digestibility, and on the levels of nitrogen retention, utilization and excretion to the environment. Digestibility and balance trials were conducted on 24 young hybrid (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace) x Duroc) boars, placed in individual metabolism cages equipped for quantitative collection of feces and urine. The boars were divided into three experimental groups, of 8 animals each, and were fed grower and finisher diets differing in the concentrations of total protein, lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan. Control diet l contained standard amounts of total protein and essential amino acids, diet 2 contained reduced amounts of total protein (by 15 % to the standard level) and essential amino acids, and diet 3 contained reduced amounts of total protein and standard (as in control diet 1) amounts of essential amino acids. U was found that a decrease in the levels of total protein and essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan) in grower diets negatively affected protein digestibility and nitrogen balance parameters. The analyzed experimental factor had a beneficial influence on urinary and fecal nitrogen excretion in pigs fed on finisher diets. The supplementation of diets with a decreased total protein content with essential amino acids had no statistically significant effect on nitrogen balance. It was estimated that a 15 % reduction to the standard level in total protein concentrations and a decrease in essential amino acid levels in grower and finisher diets reduced nitrogen excretion to the environment by 5.38 to 16.81 %.Celem pracy było określenie wpływu poziomu i jakości białka w mieszankach paszowych dla tuczników na strawność białka ogólnego, retencję azotu i jego wykorzystanie oraz na ilość wydalanego azotu do środowiska. Materiał doświadczalny w badaniach strawnościowo-bilansowych stanowiły 24 wieprzki, mieszańce ras (wbp x pbz) x Duroc. Tuczniki umieszczono w indywidualnych klatkach metabolicznych, przystosowanych do ilościowego zbierania kału i moczu. Zostały one podzielone na 3 grupy doświadczalne po 8 osobników w każdej i żywione mieszankami Grower/Finiszer o różnej koncentracji białka ogólnego, lizyny, metioniny, treoniny i tryptofanu. Mieszanka l-K zawierała standardową ilość białka ogólnego i aminokwasów egzogennych; mieszanka 2 miała obniżony o 15 % w stosunku do standardu poziom białka ogólnego i aminokwasów egzogennych; w mieszance 3 zmniejszona ilość białka ogólnego została wzbogacona w aminokwasy egzogenne do poziomu jak w mieszance 1-K

The effect of different dietary levels of vitamin E and selenium on antioxidant status and immunological markers in serum of laying hens

The effect of different dietary levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E on egg production, the antioxidant status and the immune system response of hens was investigated in the current study. A total of 32 Lohman Brown hens were divided into four groups and were fed diets with 5% of soybean oil and two levels of Se (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg) and vitamin E (30 and 60 mg/kg). During 10 weeks of experimental feeding, the body weights of hens and egg production were similar in all dietary treatments, but a higher Se content of diets contributed to a significant increase in egg weight. A higher vitamin E level significantly increased α-tocopherol concentrations (2.71 vs. 2.05 μg/mL, p = 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (43.3 vs. 39.9 U/mL, p = 0.049) and the ferric reducing ability of serum (FRAP) (123.0 vs. 105.7 μmol/L, p = 0.029). A higher Se content increased the concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.309 vs. 0.073 μg/L, p = 0.001), retinol (1.48 vs. 1.15 μg/mL, p = 0.001) and α-tocopherol (2.86 vs. 1.90 μg/mL, p = 0.001), the activity levels of catalase (3.40 vs. 2.98 U/L, p = 0.010) and SOD (43.4 vs. 30.8 U/mL, p = 0.040) as well as the total antioxidant status (TAS) of serum (0.38 vs. 0.28 mmol/L, p = 0.026). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between treatments, while a higher vitamin E content of diets increased serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations (370.6 vs. 321.3 μg/mL, p = 0.026). Higher dietary levels of vitamin E and Se increased the serum concentrations of retinol (1.66 vs. 2.20 μg/mL, p = 0.013) and α-tocopherol (3.33 vs. 1.71, p = 0.014), but they had no effect on the other physiological parameters. It is recommended that the levels of both supplements, Se and vitamin E, be increased in laying hen diets as they have a beneficial effect on the serum concentrations of retinol and α -tocopherol

IMPACT OF THE EUROPEAN PAYMENT INDEX ON KEY MACROECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INDICATORS OF A COUNTRY

The EPI (European Payment Index) reflects the debt risk of corporations in each EU country. This index is widely used for evaluation of the ability of a business to settle with market participants. This article seeks to identify the impact of the EPI on national macroeconomic and social indicators in order to assess the impact made by late payments among business units on the economy of Lithuania. The findings reveal the macroeconomic and social indicators that are most affected by the EPI. Correlation and regression analysis helps to find causal relationships and allows the risks of financial processes in enterprises to be assessed; to reform the national tax system responsibly; and to find appropriate financial instruments to manage late payment threats