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1 – 6 of 6Mitja Kovac and Ann-Sophie Vandenberghe
This chapter provides comments and suggestions to the lawmaker, and especially to economic policy-makers in the field of the optimal regulatory framework and implementation of…
Abstract
This chapter provides comments and suggestions to the lawmaker, and especially to economic policy-makers in the field of the optimal regulatory framework and implementation of sustainable practices. The main findings are as follows: (1) degradation of the rule of law in several European Union (EU) Member States and constant political undermining of the legal institutions represent the main threat for the implementation of sustainable practices and development; (2) the golden regulatory rule of thumb provides that regulatory intervention is suggested merely in cases of market failures under the condition that the costs of such intervention do not exceed the benefits; (3) over-regulation might impede implementation of sustainable practices, distort the operation of the market, undermine productivity, diminish growth and social wealth and consequently also sustainability; (4) efficiency and wealth maximization should be the lawmaker’s leading normative principle in designing the legal framework that will enable effective implementation of sustainable practices; (5) the efficient level of harmonization or subsidiarity of decision-making in the EU urges for a rigorous investigation of costs and benefits of the EU top-down harmonization policies which should lead to a better, efficient vertical allocation of sustainability agenda between EU and the Member States; and (6) The Reflection Paper on Sustainable Development Goals – “Towards a Sustainable Europe in 2030” – represents an effective institutional framework in pursue of the overall sustainability targets.
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Kostja Makarovič, Darko Belavič, Barbara Malič, Andreja Benčan, Franci Kovač and Janez Holc
The purpose of this study is the design, fabrication and evaluation of a miniature ozone generator using the principle of electric discharge are presented.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is the design, fabrication and evaluation of a miniature ozone generator using the principle of electric discharge are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The device was fabricated using a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, by which a multilayered ceramic structure with integrated electrodes, buried channels and cavities in micro and millimeter scales was realized.
Findings
The developed ozone generator with the dimensions of 63.6 × 41.8 × 1.3 mm produces approximately 1 vol. % of ozone in oxygen flow of 15 ml/min, at an applied voltage of 7 kV.
Originality/value
A miniature ozone generator, manufactured in LTCC technology, produces high amount of ozone and more than it is described in the available references or in datasheets of commercial devices of similar size.
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Doris Gomezelj Omerzel, Boštjan Antončič and Mitja Ruzzier
The purpose of this paper is to use a structural equation modelling technique to verify a theoretically proposed model of knowledge management (KM).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use a structural equation modelling technique to verify a theoretically proposed model of knowledge management (KM).
Design/methodology/approach
Existing studies on KM were reviewed and their limitations were identified. Mailed structured questionnaire data for this study were collected from small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Slovenia (168 usable responses). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modelling was used to estimate the model.
Findings
The hypothesis on the multidimensionality of KM model were mainly supported.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to Slovenian SMEs, but can be generalised to other regions. The study offers important contributions for research (KM construct) and for practice (improvements in SME KM).
Practical implications
KM can have beneficial effects on the firm's growth and profitability. The findings can be used to guide entrepreneur in efficient management of different dimensions of knowledge.
Originality/value
This study proved latent elements of KM model in SME. It gives valuable information, which hopefully will help SMEs to respect more the meaning of knowledge and KM.
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Darko Belavič, Marko Hrovat, Kostja Makarovič, Gregor Dolanč, Andrej Pohar, Stanko Hočevar and Barbara Malič
– The purpose of this paper is to present the research activity and results to research and development society on the field of ceramic microsystems.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the research activity and results to research and development society on the field of ceramic microsystems.
Design/methodology/approach
The chemical reactor was developed as a non-conventional application of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) and thick-film technologies. In the ceramic reactor with a large-volume, buried cavity, filled with a catalyst, the reaction between water and methanol produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide (together with traces of carbon monoxide). The LTCC ceramic three-dimensional (3D) structure consists of a reaction chamber, two inlet channels, an inlet mixing channel, an inlet distributor, an outlet collector and an outlet channel. The inlet and outlet fluidic barriers for the catalyst of the reaction chamber are made with two “grid lines”.
Findings
A 3D ceramic structure made by LTCC technology was successfully designed and developed for chemical reactor – methanol decomposition.
Research limitations/implications
Research activity includes the design and the capability of materials and technology (LTCC) to fabricate chemical reactor with large cavity. But further dimensions-scale-up is limited.
Practical implications
The technology for the fabrication of LTCC-based chemical reactor was developed and implemented in system for methanol decomposition.
Originality/value
The approach (large-volume cavity in ceramic structure), which has been developed, can be used for other type of reactors also.
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