Economic Publishing Platform
Not a member yet
2446 research outputs found
Sort by
The importance of water and wastewater management in fruit and vegetable processing plants
No full textMotivation: The fruit and vegetable processing industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors of the economy, involving significant water consumption at various stages of production. As a result, considerable amounts of wastewater are generated, often characterised by high loads of organic pollutants. In the context of increasing environmental protection pressures, rising water costs, and tightening legal regulations concerning water and wastewater management, analysing both the quantitative water usage and the quality of the resulting wastewater becomes particularly important. Understanding these aspects is crucial not only for reducing environmental impact but also for improving cost efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing the long-term economic sustainability of processing operations.Aim: The aim of this study is to draw attention to issues related to water consumption and wastewater quality in fruit and vegetable processing plants by conducting a case study of a medium-sized Polish company operating in the fruit and vegetable processing industry, specializing in the production of dried vegetables and fruits. The results are intended to provide a better understanding of the impact of processing activities on the aquatic environment and to highlight areas that require improvements in water and wastewater management, with particular focus on resource optimisation and operational cost reduction.Materials and methods: The study involved analysing wastewater originating from the preliminary processing stage of fresh raw materials, including various fruits and vegetables. Key parameters such as COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), BOD₅ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand after 5 days), and suspended solids content were measured. In addition, the biodegradability of the wastewater was assessed using TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analysis, selected for its analytical efficiency and economic practicality, especially in the context of designing cost-effective biological treatment systems.Results: The analysis of wastewater samples from the preliminary processing of fruits and vegetables showed significant variability in basic physicochemical parameters. COD values ranged from 960 to 24,300 mg/L O₂, while BOD₅ values ranged from 560 to 13,000 mg/L O₂, indicating a high content of easily biodegradable organic substances. The concentration of total suspended solids varied between 340 and 12,000 mg/L. These values reflect the pollutant load that must be addressed through treatment technologies and are often used as the basis for calculating discharge fees and environmental penalties, making them critical for economic and operational planning in food processing facilities
Comprehensive assessment of the financial sustainability of local budgets in conditions of decentralization
No full textInitially the global financial and economic crisis, decentralization processes in many countries, and further the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the war in Ukraine have increased interest in the concept of financial health, financial condition and, more specifically, in the financial stability of local authorities. A system of indicators for a comprehensive assessment of the financial stability of local budgets has been proposed and substantiated in this article based on the previously conducted analysis of existing scientific approaches to assessing the financial stability of budgets. The determined methodology was tested on the basis of the data of territorial communities of Transcarpathian Region (Ukraine) for 2021
Artificial intelligence as a new dimension of the labor market
No full textThis article explores the dynamic development of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of social and economic life. It analyzes how AI implementation is transforming the labor market, considering its rapid growth within contemporary society while addressing both its benefits and concerns related to job displacement. The study employs an integrated research approach, combining descriptive, comparative, and analytical analysis to ensure an in-depth understanding of AI’s role. Desk research was also conducted to analyze existing data and literature, and inductive reasoning was applied to draw general conclusions. The article forecasts the automation of certain professions while also highlighting the creation of new job opportunities, identifying sectors most and least susceptible to automation. AI is expected to continue its dynamic expansion, offering new possibilities across various fields. The study contributes to the discourse on AI’s role in the labor market, encouraging reflection on its long-term impact. It emphasizes the necessity of an ethical approach to AI development and the establishment of appropriate legal and ethical frameworks. Furthermore, it underscores that managing labor market transformations and addressing ethical dilemmas related to AI remains a challenge. The article highlights the need for AI-driven innovations and the importance of analyzing the potential effects of automation on different labor market sector
Comparison of annual electrical energy losses of conventional and superconductive transformers in power lines
No full textThe aim of the work is to compare performance and annual results losses of electrical energy lost by transformers superconducting and conventional. The efficiency has been calculated both transformers installed in the power plant at changing load. The example used superconducting transformer with 2G0 winding. Obtained the results show 80% less energy loss per year compared to transformers with copper windings
Setup for high-temperature processing of silicon carbide
No full textThis work outlines the conditions and requirements for high-temperature processes used in the fabrication of silicon carbide based semiconductor structures. A dedicated setup was developed by adapting the VLS10/18 system to perform thermal processes at temperatures exceeding 2000°C. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the system\u27s ability to maintain controlled conditions suitable for post-implantation annealing and thermal diffusion of dopants in monocrystalline SiC. The study also verified the accuracy of pyrometric temperature measurements and examined the heating and cooling dynamics of the reactor
Intricate nexus of FDI, remittances, emigration, tourism and growth: Navigating economic landscape of Croatia
No full textResearch background: In Croatia, a small-open and growing economy that lags behind more developed countries, globalisation has had a considerable impact on economic stability. The globalised world economy, characterised by international trade, capital flows and migration, has strongly influenced the economic landscape of Croatia. Although foreign direct investment (FDI) and remittances are fuelling economic growth, emigration poses a major challenge. In addition, the vital tourism sector in Croatia emphasises these relationships and can increase overall economic prosperity.
Purpose of the article: The main purpose of this study is to analyse the causal relationships between FDI, remittances, emigration and economic growth in Croatia. In addition, it examines the causal relation between FDI, remittances and tourism growth. Moreover, this study examines the relationships between emigration and FDI, as well as emigration and remittances.
Methodology: This study adopted a methodological approach that includes time series analysis and panel data analysis to consider the complexity of this issue in more detail. Specifically, the study applied a two-pronged approach such as time series analysis to investigate the causal relationships between FDI and emigration, FDI and tourism growth, remittances and emigration as well as remittances and tourism growth. In parallel, panel data analysis devoted itself to analysing the subtle inter-relationships between FDI, remittances, emigration and their combined effects on economic growth using the same methodological approach.
Findings & value added: Key findings show several causal relationships in the Croatian context: emigration substantially affects FDI, remittances influence emigration patterns, a bidirectional causal relationship exists between FDI and tourism growth and tourism growth boosts remittance flows. FDI boosts economic growth in Croatia, which, in turn, causes the flow of remittances and patterns of emigration. The importance of this study lies in highlighting the potential significance of FDI and remittances, as well as the crucial role of tourism in Croatia while emphasising the potential threat posed by emigration to the Croatian economy. These findings provide a crucial framework for policymakers to design targeted strategies that navigate these inter-connected factors, ensuring sustainable economic growth in similar small, growing economies worldwide
Examining herding behavior in the cryptocurrency market
No full textResearch background: The research employs the Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation of returns (CSAD) model, augmented with modifications by Chiang and Zheng (2010) to address asymmetric investor behavior, facilitating the detection of herding behavior. Additionally, the study leverages Quantile Regression (QR), demonstrated by Barnes and Hughes (2002) to effectively capture extreme values in financial data with fat tails or skewed distributions. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the volatile cryptocurrency market, allowing for the analysis of outliers and the assessment of the magnitude of return impacts using T-stat and Quantile Process Estimates.
Purpose of the article: This study primarily centers its empirical analysis on identifying market-wide herding behavior (Henker et al., 2006) within the cryptocurrency market, spanning from January 1, 2016, to February 1, 2019, juxtaposed with the period from January 1, 2019, to January 7, 2022. The selected time frames were chosen to evaluate potential shifts in herding dynamics within this market, particularly during its phases of rapid expansion and subsequent stagnation.
Methods: The Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation (CSAD) methodology, as proposed by Chiang and Zheng (2010), was employed for herding detection, alongside the incorporation of dummy variables to discern the market conditions under which herding occurs. Herding behavior manifests when dispersion diminishes, or its increase is less than proportionate to market returns, indicating an inverse correlation between market returns and dispersion in the presence of herding. Additionally, CSAD estimation was conducted utilizing quantile regression to encompass a broader range of quantiles, facilitating the identification of herding tendencies across various return magnitudes. To delve further into investor behavior, Bitcoin was utilized as an illustrative example, elucidating investor reactions to market bubbles through the application of the Hodrick-Prescott (HP) Filter.
Findings & value added: The findings reveal instances of herding behavior during downward market movements and at higher return levels preceding 2019. However, post-2019, herding is observed during upward market movements and at medium to higher return levels. This study presents compelling evidence of herding phenomena coinciding with the bursting of bubbles, particularly concerning Bitcoin. The findings provide a deeper understanding of how herding manifests differently across distinct market conditions and timeframes, offering actionable insights for investors and policymakers navigating the volatile cryptocurrency landscape. Additionally, by highlighting the correlation between herding behavior and market bubbles, particularly in the context of Bitcoin, this study contributes to the broader discourse on cryptocurrency market dynamics
Digitalization and digital technologies: The obstacles to adaptation among Hungarian farmers
No full textResearch background: Digital technologies aim to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. Despite ongoing efforts, Hungary is encountering various challenges in digitalization. This research seeks to investigate the potential of digital technologies in addressing these challenges, with a particular focus on precision agriculture technologies (PA).
Purpose of the article: This study explores the utilization of digital technologies among 81 agricultural and food companies in Hungary. The study evaluates the use of advanced and less advanced digital technologies and their impact on rural areas. Additionally, the research seeks to understand the economic and social impacts resulting from the adoption of these technologies, focusing specifically on precision farming.
Methods: The study uses advanced clustering methods to categorize agricultural companies based on their use of digital technology. The research employed the two-step clustering method, which has been recognized for its robustness in clustering mixed-level variables.
Findings & value added: Farmers and food producers generally have low adoption rates of advanced digital technologies, preferring common but less advanced tools. This is mainly due to high investment costs, economies of scale, limited experience and expertise, and a lack of willingness to cooperate among farmers. The respondents could be classified into two groups: one group is aware and even understands advanced technology, but rarely uses it. In contrast, the other group is largely unaware of these technologies. The results indicate that a lack of knowledge and expertise can significantly impede the adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture. Policymakers must develop a mix of policies that collectively reduce the economic barriers to technology adoption while engaging stakeholders who may not fully understand the benefits of advanced technologies
The nexus between economic policy uncertainty and innovation performance in Visegrad group countries
No full textResearch background: Research and development (R&D) spending and innovation initiatives play a crucial role in promoting growth. However, economic policy uncertainty (EPU) is a reality that cannot be avoided when making business decisions. The Visegrad Group (V4), consisting of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, is considered a regional alliance of four Central European countries with significant potential for innovation and economic development because these nations’ economies are encountering the so-called ‘middle-income trap’.
Purpose of the article: The paper’s main objective is to examine the impact of economic policy uncertainty on innovation performance and R&D expenditures in the Visegrad Group countries.
Methods: The study used comparative panel models analysis (fixed effect, random effect, and system generalized method of moments [GMM]) between 2012 and 2021. The models include the lag periods for EPU to provide a better perspective on the short-term impact and even long-term consequences of EPU.
Findings & value added: The directions of innovation output and R&D expenditures are directly related to EPU. In V4 economies, businesses may reduce their spending on R&D and innovation activities when confronted with high EPU; however, over time, the volatility of economic uncertainties is adjusted for. Additionally, the political and economic control variables increase the number of dimensions used in the models, which will motivate additional EPU studies in the field. Although EPU studies are widely accepted, our investigation shows that the topic is still not properly developed for Visegrad Group countries in relation to how EPU affects innovation activity. Another unique feature of the current study is the diversity of variables used, including the EPU lag variables, variables representing essential economic and political issues, as well as control variables, thus incorporating complex panel models
Digital twin simulation modeling, artificial intelligence-based Internet of Manufacturing Things systems, and virtual machine and cognitive computing algorithms in the Industry 4.0-based Slovak labor market
No full textResearch background: On the basis of an analysis of the current situation and expectations in the field of implementation of the elements of the Industry 4.0 concept, the purpose of this paper is to identify the effects on the labor market in large manufacturing enterprises in the Slovak Republic.
Purpose of the article: The presented work has a theoretical-empirical nature and consists of a theoretical section and a practical section, which includes statistical indicator analysis and quantitative research. In the theoretical section, the paper discusses the issue of Industry 4.0 in general, with a focus on its impact on the labor market, thus laying the groundwork for future research on the subject.
Methods: The output of this work is an analysis of selected indicators of the manufacturing industry sector in the Slovak Republic, based on the most recent employment data analysis in the first stage and quantitative research survey in the second stage, with the respondents being manufacturing industry companies operating in the Slovak Republic, and whose primary objective is to determine the current status of the implementation of the elements and technologies of Industry 4.0 in production companies in the Slovak Republic, as well as the factors influencing this situation, such as digital twin simulation modeling, artificial intelligence-based Internet of Manufacturing Things systems, and virtual machine and cognitive computing algorithms.
Findings & value added: The research findings indicate that the degree of digitization adopted by businesses in the Slovak Republic is comparatively less robust and more sluggish to adapt. This is primarily attributable to the underdeveloped educational system, population reluctance, self-actualization, and inadequate state support. Recommendations for the Slovak market aim to increase the digital proficiency of businesses and of the general populace through various means, such as reforming legislation, enhancing state support for entrepreneurs, and modifying the education system, constituting the added value of the work