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        <title>System Safety: Human - Technical Facility - Environment Feed</title>
        <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/CZOTO</link>
        <description>Sciendo RSS Feed for System Safety: Human - Technical Facility - Environment</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 13:18:15 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>System Safety: Human - Technical Facility - Environment Feed</title>
            <url>https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6471af40215d2f6c89dacf30/cover-image.jpg</url>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/CZOTO</link>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, Quality and Production Managers Association</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Integrating Circular Economy and Reverse Logistics into the Quality Management Systems: Evidence from Polish SMEs]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0018</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0018</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This article examines how circular economy (CE) and reverse logistics (RL) practices can be integrated into quality management systems (QMS) in SMEs. Although CE and RL are key components of sustainability, their linkage with formal quality frameworks remains insufficiently explored. This exploratory study proposes an original integration model, investigates the current level of alignment, and identifies organizational barriers. Based on survey data from 37 Polish enterprises, the paper verifies research hypotheses regarding the synergy between circularity and quality management. The findings offer practical insights for practitioners seeking to enhance process reliability through a combined application of circular and quality approaches
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Assessment of a Company’s Financial Condition in the Context of Managerial Information Management]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0017</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0017</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The aim of the publication is to assess the financial condition of the enterprise as well as to determine the significance of integrating SAP information systems and the adequacy of financial data in the context of managerial information management. The study employed methodological triangulation, combining financial statement and economic indicator analysis with a managerial survey. By focusing on the balance sheet and ratio-based assessment of financial condition, the research confirmed the company’s stable financial position, high security of its financing structure, very strong liquidity, and a significant improvement in profitability in the final year of the analysis. In contrast, the study examined the level of integration of SAP systems and the adequacy of financial data for decision-making needs. The findings provide both theoretical and practical insight that the financial condition of an enterprise cannot be analysed in isolation from the ability of information systems to deliver reliable and integrated data that enable effective management in an unstable environment. The conducted study provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that a higher level of information systems integration is associated with a better assessment of financial condition and higher quality of managerial information. In this sense, these findings may be regarded as a contribution to the development of management theory by linking financial analysis with the assessment of managerial informational maturity, with this relationship being examined at the perceptual level. The publication contributes to the ongoing discussion on the integration of information systems, including ERP-class systems such as SAP, which can streamline data flows, eliminate informational discrepancies, and provide continuous insight into an enterprise’s financial situation.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Generation X as Employees and Their Role in Knowledge Transfer Within Organisations]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0015</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0015</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The paper focuses on the problem of intergenerational knowledge transfer in modern organizations, with a special emphasis on the role of Generation X. Most research focuses on Baby Boomers, as they have been retiring, while the role of Generation X is overlooked. However, Generation X’s role in the process seems undeniable and requires more in-depth research to support effective knowledge transfer across organizations. For the study, VOSviewer software and data from Scopus (papers published between 1995 and 2025) were used to map the main research topics and identify research gaps. The findings are particularly important for the Polish labor market, where the average employee is over 43 years old, and for the European market. The analysis reveals that while Generation X is central in the hierarchy of organisations, it remains marginal in mentoring and practical management frameworks. The main findings identify three research gaps: insufficient focus on mentoring models focused on Gen X, a lack of recognition of their role as ‘intergenerational mediators’, and an overlooked correlation between their retention and knowledge security of organisations.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Functional properties of coatings used in various industries]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0016</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0016</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Modern industries are increasingly utilizing technologies based on concentrated energy flows. Technologies utilizing concentrated energy sources are primarily used for machining components made of difficult-to-machine engineering materials, as well as for manufacturing highly complex shapes that would be labor-intensive and time-consuming using traditional methods. This article examines two processing methods used to produce anti-wear coatings: electro-spark deposition (ESD) and laser cladding. By controlling electrode erosion parameters, such as current intensity or capacitor capacitance, we can shape coatings with different functional properties. By controlling laser parameters, such as power, scanning speed, and pulse duration, it is possible to create coatings with different surface properties. The paper presents these processes in the context of producing coatings for various applications, including military technology.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Overview of Methods for Investigating Accidents at Work Based on an Accident in a Manufacturing Company]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0014</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0014</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the most commonly used methods for investigating occupational accidents and to demonstrate their practical application, using an example of an accident that occurred in a production company. The article describes the theoretical foundations of event analysis and discusses methods such as the 5 Whys method, the Ishikawa diagram, Technical-Organizational-Human (TOL), FMEA, ETA, and FTA. The analyzed accident case allowed for the identification of technical, organizational, and human factors leading to the event. The article concludes with conclusions and recommendations for preventive measures that can reduce the number of similar incidents in the future.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Context of Key Packaging Features and Information Contained on Food and Cosmetic Product Packagingpaper]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0010</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0010</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Product packaging serves a logistical function related to transport, storage, product safety, and information. Furthermore, packaging is an integral part of the product, but after use, it becomes unnecessary and, from this perspective, constitutes post-consumer waste, which in turn poses a threat to our environment. Therefore, in the context of sustainable development, limiting the negative impact of such packaging on our natural environment is crucial. Consumers themselves also play a significant role, as their purchasing decisions can influence producers’ responsibility and the increasing prevalence of eco-friendly packaging. Therefore, researching consumer awareness is crucial to understanding how consumer purchasing decisions can support the concept of sustainable development in the context of packaging. The aim of this study is to analyze consumer opinions regarding the characteristics of cosmetic and food product packaging and the importance of information placed on such packaging for consumers when making purchasing decisions. The study utilized a survey method and also analyzed the survey results, allowing for the identification of consumer attitudes and opinions regarding the characteristics of cosmetic and food product packaging. Furthermore, it was determined which information presented on food and cosmetic product packaging is considered crucial by consumers when making purchasing decisions.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Impact of Different Parameters on the Efficiency of GaN/Porous-GaAs/GaAs Solar Cell]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0012</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Modern requirements for high-efficiency solar cells increase interest in the development of new materials and structures, in particular the use of GaN/porous-GaAs/GaAs composite materials and heterostructures, which allow to improve the efficiency and stability of solar energy conversion. To determine the photovoltaic characteristics of the GaN/porous-GaAs/GaAs photoconverter, a system of equations is used, including the Poisson equation, the diffusion equation, and the charge conservation equation. The simulation results of GaN/porous-GaAs/GaAs solar cells using PC1D software showed values of short-circuit current ISC = 33.2 mA, open-circuit voltage VOC = 1.022 V, fill factor FF = 83.4% and efficiency η = 28.3% In order to optimize the parameters of the solar cell, simulations were carried out with a change in the thickness of the GaN layer, the doping levels of the GaN and porous-GaAs layers. It was established that with a thickness of the GaN layer of 1.6 μm, the efficiency of the solar cell reaches a maximum value of 29.1%. The maximum efficiency was achieved when the GaN layer was doped with 1·1017 cm−3 and was 28.4%. An increase in the temperature of the solar cell leads to a decrease in the open-circuit voltage and an increase in recombination losses, which is reflected in the decrease in the efficiency of the GaN/porous-GaAs/GaAs photoconverter from 29.8% at 270 K to 23.0% at 370 K.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Development of GenAI and its Impact on Enterprises: Challenges and Safety]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0011</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is fundamentally transforming enterprise operations by facilitating automation, enhancing decision support, and enabling new forms of value creation. Although GenAI offers considerable strategic potential, organizations encounter substantial challenges related to safety, ethics, legal compliance, and operational risk. This paper investigates two primary hypotheses: (H1) the positive impact of GenAI adoption on enterprise performance depends on the effective management of associated challenges and safety risks; (H2) enterprises implementing robust governance frameworks, ethical safeguards, and risk-mitigation strategies are more likely to achieve sustainable value from GenAI, while insufficient oversight may lead to operational, legal, and reputational harm. The study was analytical and validatory in nature. It was conducted using a research methodology consisting in reviewing the latest scientific literature and reports on the topic of GenAI and its impact on enterprises. Its primary goal was not merely to describe the GenAI adoption phenomenon but to analyze specific cause-and-effect relationships (hypotheses) between technology, management, and enterprise performance, using available scientific and empirical evidence.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Analysis of the Effect of Nail Polish Colour on Oxygen Saturation (%SpO2) Levels When Measured with a Fingertip Pulse Oximeter]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0013</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0013</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Fingertip pulse oximeters were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic as the main and readily available device (%SpO2). The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which different colours of gel nail polish affect oxygen saturation (%SpO2) measurements. Saturation measurements were taken using the Finger Clip Pulse Oximeter P-01 (China) device, routinely available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 54 healthy female volunteers of undergraduate cosmetology students aged between 24 and 36 years. Each participant was given an individual fingertip pulse oximeter to measure saturation on different fingers painted with different colours of gel nail polish: red, orange, yellow, green – fingers II-V of the right hand; blue, navy, violet, no colour – fingers II-V of the left hand. Increasing wavelength (from violet ~400 nm to red ~680 nm) increased mean saturation levels. Long-wavelength colours (“red”) distorted the measurement results to a lesser degree than short-wavelength colours (“green”). Nail polishes significantly influence the results of oxygen saturation measurements, especially of dark and metallic colour. Interference resulting from long-wavelength colours (e.g. red) is minimal, while short-wavelength colours (e.g. green) cause the most interference. In particular, light-absorbing colours (e.g. green) significantly reduced the %SpO2 (P=0.032), in contrast to longer-wavelength colours (e.g. red).
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Qualities and Competencies of the Ideal Direct Supervisor (Manager) According to Generation Z - Research Results in Poland and Great Britain]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2025-0049</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2025-0049</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The aim of the research was to identify, compare and evaluate Generation Z’s expectations towards the qualities and competencies of their direct supervisors. The study was conducted amongst students in Poland and Great Britain in 2021 and 2023. The study employed a survey method, specifically the CAWI survey technique. Measures of descriptive statistics were used to analyze the research data. The survey made it possible to identify the qualities and competencies of direct supervisors expected by Generation Z, as well as to examine the relationship between respondents’ answers and their gender. In several cases, gender significantly differentiated the analyzed variables. The results also allowed to determine differences in the expectations of Generation Z representatives in Poland and Great Britain regarding the qualities and competencies of their direct supervisors.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Technical Condition Assessment of Aging Hydrotechnical Structures in Southern Poland Using Periodic Inspection Data]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical condition of selected hydrotechnical structures in Southern Poland, based on data collected from periodic inspections and diagnostic testing conducted between 2018 and 2023. The analyzed structures, primarily built in the 1960s–1980s, include culverts, weirs, locks, spillways, and embankments. Most have been in operation for over 60 years and are classified as importance class I or II. The methodology involved a review of inspection protocols and test results, including non-destructive and destructive tests such as Schmidt hammer testing, core specimens with compressive strength analysis, ultrasonic testing, water permeability, frost resistance, and water chemical aggressiveness. Each structure was assessed using a pointwise and verbal rating system. Key findings indicate widespread surface erosion, carbonation, and cracking of concrete elements. Although all structures operate in similar aquatic conditions, testing procedures varied significantly, revealing a lack of a standardized diagnostic approach. Inconsistent data makes comparison difficult and limits the effectiveness of material condition assessment. The study concludes that a unified diagnostic framework is urgently needed to ensure consistent evaluation of aging hydrotechnical infrastructure. It should include standardized test sets, interpretation criteria, and frequency guidelines. Regular, uniform diagnostics are essential for developing effective maintenance and repair strategies, ensuring structural safety and service continuity.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Industrial Legacy, Green Transition and the Challenges of Decarbonization: The Case of “Prahova County” in the EU Just Transition Fund: An Analytical Approach With Insights]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The transition to a green economy is particularly difficult for regions whose economies rely heavily on polluting resources, especially coal, oil, or heavy industry. A shift in these sectors can lead to local economic collapse. By anticipating these problems, the European Union proposed the Just Transition Mechanism that aims to mitigate the negative effects of a green transition on employment by financing the diversification and modernization of local economies and by encouraging employees to work in new sectors and industries. In Romania, six counties benefit from this fund, including “Prahova”, a heavily industrialized area with a long tradition of fossil fuel use, which continues to generate significant revenues for local budgets. In this context, the main objective of the paper is to empirically assess the degree of economic vulnerability of the county to the transition to climate neutrality, by determining regional dependence and specialization in high-carbon sectors, using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) and Location Quotient (LQ) indicators. The topic is a timely one, with numerous studies focused on the application of the framework for a just transition in coal regions. However, what is missing is a quantitative assessment of the risks and challenges faced by regions with a developed oil and gas sector, such as Prahova. The results show that the region is still heavily industrialized with high-carbon enterprises, Nevertheless, important steps have been made towards the green transition, and the authorities recognize carbon exposure as a real problem and continue to focus on solutions to limit it.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Improving Supply Chain Performance Through Production and Warehouse Process Optimization: A Case Study of a Manufacturing Company]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0009</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0009</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This article presents a comparative analysis of supply chain management at manufacturing company X, with particular emphasis on production and warehouse processes. The paper describes implemented improvements, such as automated quality control of fuel line components, semi-automatic raw material availability verification systems, and the implementation of Kanban racking . These changes led to shorter production process times, improved quality control efficiency, and reduced operating costs. Another area of optimization was the warehouse, where the use of modular trolleys, changes to the rack layout, and product placement in accordance with the XYZ analysis allowed for increased storage capacity and faster picking. As a result, these improvements increased process efficiency and improved the functioning of the entire supply chain.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene (PP)/ Waste Cellulose (WC) Composite for Industrial Applications]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0005</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0005</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study investigated the mechanical and thermal properties of recycled polypropylene (rPP) composites reinforced with waste cardboard cellulose (WC) and modified with aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 and potassium alum (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) additives. The composites were fabricated using a twin-screw extruder and characterized before and after UV exposure .Waste cellulose was dispersed as a homogeneous suspension rather than a solution, as cellulose is insoluble in water.
Results showed that tensile strength increased by 15–30% with cellulose addition (10–30 wt.%), while elastic modulus improved by 20–40% depending on filler content and additive type. Composites containing Al(OH)₃ exhibited higher tensile performance compared to alum-modified ones. Impact strength showed a moderate enhancement with cellulose addition but slightly decreased with inorganic additives. DSC analysis revealed an increase in melting temperature (Tm) by 2–5°C and crystallinity (Xc) by 5–10% for cellulose-reinforced composites. Although no conventional compatibilizer such as maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was employed, the observed mechanical improvement is attributed to physical interlocking, hydrogen bonding interactions, and the stabilizing effect of inorganic additives .Alum-modified composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability, while cellulose-containing composites retained 85–90% of their initial mechanical properties after UV exposure, compared to 70–75% for neat rPP .
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Lightweight Design and Safety Optimization of Scissor Lift Components Using FEM]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Lifting structures are critical components in the automotive industry, yet their excessive weight and bulk often impede mobility and ease of use. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the structural optimization of a scissor lift, focusing on the topological redesign of its lever. The primary objective is to achieve significant mass reduction while preserving structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and safety. The core hypothesis is that strategic topological modifications can induce favorable stress redistribution, leading to material savings without compromising safety margins. The research methodology, implemented in the spring of 2024, was based on numerical modeling using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in Ansys Workbench. Numerical analysis of the base lever identified a maximum equivalent stress of 152 MPa, corresponding to a safety factor of 2.27. The proposed optimizations yielded a new lever topology that reduces the component’s mass by 39% (to 35 kg) while maintaining a high safety factor of 1.52 under a maximum stress of 226.5 MPa. The results confirm that the proposed design approach successfully enhances the lift’s performance-to-weight ratio, offering a viable solution for developing more efficient and portable automotive lifting equipment.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Identification and Description of Changes in the Production Strategies of Automotive Companies in the Context of Internationalization]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0004</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

One of the most important processes in the modern global economy is the internationalization and globalization of economic activity. Adopting an internationalization strategy means, among other things, that a company must acquire the ability to use globally dispersed factors of production. Various production strategies play an important role in the process of formulating a general internationalization strategy. The aim of this article is to identify the most important production strategies used by companies in the automotive sector from the point of view of the internationalization process. Research has shown that the most important strategies are: diversification and specialization, product standardization strategy, strategies based on time advantage, and strategies towards suppliers. The article uses mixed research methods. The starting point was literature studies. The research proper was conducted using a qualitative approach. The core consisted of case studies supported by data from secondary sources. The article shows how firms pursue growth through sectoral or product diversification. It explains horizontal and vertical unification as key strategies shaping product development. It also examines efficiency tools: just-in-time, lean production, TQM, and kaizen and notes the industry’s evolution from classic mass production toward increasingly widespread modular assembly.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[From Cash to Biometrics: The Evolution of Payment Methods]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0008</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0008</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Rapid technological progress has led to the emergence of many innovative payment methods, such as digital wallets, mobile payments, biometric authorisations and contactless transactions. These changes affect not only the functioning of the financial market, but also the everyday behaviour of consumers. Despite the widespread availability of innovative digital tools, there is still a lack of up-to-date analyses that take into account the factors determining the choice of different payment methods and the degree of acceptance of new solutions by users. This article analyses the development of modern forms of payment and examines their impact on consumer behaviour. The role of money as a means of payment was emphasised, pointing to the growing importance of cashless payments in the digital age. The research problem addressed in this article concerns the identification of factors influencing the choice of modern payment methods and the determination of the level of acceptance of payment innovations among consumers. The rationale for conducting the research is the dynamic growth of the importance of digital payments in the economy and the need to understand user preferences that shape the direction of financial services development. The aim of the study is to analyse contemporary payment methods and assess their impact on user preferences and behaviour. To achieve this goal, the empirical part of the study used a quantitative research method based on a survey conducted in 2024 among 103 people. The results of the study make it possible to determine the degree of users’ openness to innovative payment solutions and to identify the most commonly used forms of transactions in the digital environment.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quality Assurance Instruments in the Ready-To-Eat Food Industry: A Literature Analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0001</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0001</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods require robust, auditable quality assurance (QA) because consumers apply little or no processing. We performed a structured Scopus review (2015–2026; search date: 19 October 2025) with VOSviewer bibliometrics to map QA tools and emerging directions. The corpus comprised 1,813 peer-reviewed items. Cooccurrence and overlay analyses indicate a dominant operational focus on shelf-life and post-process stability driven by packaging (MAP, active/edible coatings), temperature control (validation, rapid cooling), and microbiological verification (e.g., Listeria), supported by environmental monitoring. A stable “core toolkit” underpins these practices: HACCP with prerequisite programs, ISO 22000-based FSMS, and GFSI-benchmarked schemes (BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, SQF), often alongside ISO 9001. At process level, SPC and FMEA – plus, to a lesser extent, Six Sigma and QbD – target critical operations. System acronyms are under-represented in keywords, suggesting fuller visibility in texts. Digitalisation is rising: sensor-enabled cold-chain monitoring, blockchain pilots for traceability, and predictive analytics, with scalability challenges for SMEs.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Impact of the Geopolitical Situation of World Economies on the Functioning of Global Supply Chains]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0007</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2026-0007</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The global expansion of trade and the associated multi-level disruptions are causing increasing complexity in supply chains and making them vulnerable to various types of change. One of the challenges currently facing participants in global supply chains is geopolitical and economic change. These are dominated by armed conflicts, political conflicts, and economic crises. They affect the conditions for international cooperation and the execution of deliveries. The aim of the research was to identify and evaluate the most important political and economic events of recent years that have influenced changes in the functioning of the global supply chain. The analysis used the desk research method of data from various reports from 2023–2025. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data enabled a multidimensional assessment of the resilience of supply chains to geopolitical turbulence. The results showed the key global economies and the actions they have taken that influence changes in the supply chain on a global scale. A comparison with the logistics performance of these economies also showed that the efficiency of the global supply chain depends not only on China’s production potential, but above all on the efficiency of flows and the quality of logistics corridors in Japan and EU countries.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Hardness Behaviour of Secondary A356 Alloys: The Influence of Iron and Manganese]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2025-0041</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/czoto-2025-0041</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The rising demand for sustainable materials has led to an increase in the usage of recycled aluminium in the automotive and engineering sectors. However, impurities such as iron, introduced during recycling, can weaken mechanical properties by forming brittle intermetallic phases. This study examines how iron content and manganese addition affect the hardness and microstructure of secondary A356 aluminium alloys. The experimental alloys were produced with Fe levels from 0.080 to 0.586 wt.% and Mn additions up to 0.300 wt.%. Brinell and Vickers microhardness tests were performed to assess overall and local hardness, while microstructure analysis was conducted using scanning microscopy with EDX analysis. Results showed that increasing Fe content slightly raised the hardness due to the formation of Fe-rich Al5FeSi intermetallic phases, which are brittle and platelet-shaped. The addition of Mn transformed these phases into more compact α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 morphologies, improving phase distribution. These findings highlight that controlling Fe content and Mn addition is crucial for optimising the hardness and other mechanical properties of recycled A356 alloys and encouraging the sustainable reuse of aluminium materials.
]]></description>
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