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The choice of green-resilient supplier selection as a complex multi-criterion decision-making problem that often involves some uncertain situations, has become a key issue in the development of electronics manufacturing. Decision-making models supporting the assessment of supply chain performance must consider comprehensive elements in the supply network, covering not only cost and technical capabilities, but also greenness and resilience aspects. Therefore, in order to fill the research gap, the present study proposed an integrated decision-making method based on the fuzzy set theory and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach for supplier selection in a supply chain network to handle uncertainties caused by decision makers 'subjective judgments which could reduce the supply chain costs and environmental impact and, moreover, extend the value of resilience. A case study was used to validate the applicability of the proposed model. The sensitivity analysis was employed to examine the impact of the proposed model. Furthermore, the proposed DEA-based model has been compared with a supplier selection Fuzzy inference system based method in the literature to show its validation. The results indicated the proposed fuzzy DEA method can provide a reliable and consensus decision-making framework for enterprises to select green-resilient suppliers in the electronic industry of household appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In this paper, we evaluated the impact of the US “Chip Act” on the participation of the Chinese electronics industry in the global value chain based on the dynamic CGE model. This is a meaningful attempt to use the GTAP-VA model to analyze the electronics industry in China. Design/methodology/approach – We employ a Dynamic GTAP-VA Model to quantitatively evaluate the economic repercussions of the “Chip Act” on the Chinese electronic industries' GVC participation from 2023 to 2040. Findings – The findings depict a discernible contraction in China’s electronic sector by 2040, marked by a −2.95% change in output, a −3.50% alteration in exports and a 0.45% increment in imports. Concurrently, the U.S., EU and certain Asian economies exhibit expansions within the electronic sector, indicating a GVC realignment. The “Chip Act” implementation precipitates a significant divergence in GVC participation across different countries and industries, notably impacting the electronics sector. Research limitations/implications – Through a meticulous temporal analysis, this manuscript unveils the nuanced economic shifts within the GVC, substantially bridging the empirical void in existing literature. This narrative accentuates the profound implications of policy regulations on global trade dynamics, contributing to the discourse on international economic policy and industry evolution. Practical implications – We evaluated the impact of the US “Chip Act” on the participation of the Chinese electronics industry in the global value chain based on the dynamic CGE model. This is a meaningful attempt to use the GTAP-VA model to analyze the electronics industry in China. Social implications – The interaction between policy regulations and global value chain (GVC) dynamics is pivotal in understanding the contemporary global trade framework, especially within technology-driven sectors. The US “Chips Act” represents a significant regulatory milestone with potential ramifications on the Chinese electronic industries' engagement in the GVC. Originality/value – The significance of this paper is that it quantifies for the first time the impact of the US Chip Act on the GVC participation index of East Asian countries in the context of US-China decoupling. With careful consideration of strategic aspects, this paper substantially fills the empirical gap in the existing literature by presenting subtle economic changes within GVCs, highlighting the profound implications of policy regulation on global trade dynamics.

The current work is an experimental study, with the primary goal of investigating and exploring ways to improve thermal contact conductance through a detailed examination and analysis of metallic contacts and discovering opportunities for enhancement, increased efficiency, and thus heat dissipation using thermal interface materials. The steady-state experiments have been carried out on a simple and calibrated experimental set-up. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the thermal performance of Cu-Al contacts for the selected range of contact pressures and temperatures to suit the electronic industry's distinctive characteristics and technical requirements. As a thermal interface material, graphene paste has been tested under various combinations of interface pressure and heating circumstances against the bare metallic contacts. Error analysis has also been performed for the current experimental investigation. It has been demonstrated that using graphene paste as a thermal interface material thermal contact conductance is improved, significantly enhancing heat dissipation. The results of thermal contact conductance for graphene paste have been compared with the same for silicon grease from literature. The present results thus demonstrate the application and suitability of the selected thermal interface material in the specified range of heating and contact pressure conditions in the context of particularly thermal management applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the study is the Russian electronic industry as a strategically important sector that ensures national security and cybersecurity in all areas of activity. The relevance of the study is due to insufficient efficiency and consistency of the results of the existing monitoring of the development of the electronics industry, which is related to the lack of comprehensive information and analytical tools for diagnosis of indicators of sustainable development of industry. The purpose of the study is to develop a flexible situational approach to monitoring the electronics industry, taking into account the industry strategy to expand production of civilian products, as well as to justify the effectiveness of financing tools and increasing the sustainable development of the industry. As a result, a monitoring technique based on data from industry statistics, the Spark-Interfax information resource, and big data analytics for organizations in the electronics industry, with eventual industry aggregation, was developed. The sectoral structure was examined in accordance with the methodology, the market situation and business models were evaluated, and the risks and shortcomings of financing the sector were identified. The approach ensures monitoring of the transformation of the industry, creation of a fair competitive market, increase in the share of efficient private Russian companies and their integration into the global ecosystem. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the selection of sectoral assessment indicators, the use of information resources and big data technology, which provide regular diagnostics of the industry. The theoretical significance of the study is the development and adaptation of industry analysis to the specifics of the electronics industry, as well as the inclusion of sustainable development indicators. The results of the study are of practical significance for the professional Association of organizations of the radio-electronic industry of Russia, government regulators and private investors interested in operational information about the state and trends of the development of the industry and its financing tools.

In recent years, infrared thermographic (IRT) technology has experienced notable advancements and found widespread applications in various fields, such as renewable industry, electronic industry, construction, aviation, and healthcare. IRT technology is used for defect detection due to its non-contact, efficient, and high-resolution methods, which enhance product quality and reliability. This review offers an overview of active IRT principles. It comprehensively examines four categories based on the type of heat sources employed: pulsed thermography (PT), lock-in thermography (LT), ultrasonically stimulated vibration thermography (UVT), and eddy current thermography (ECT). Furthermore, the review explores the application of IRT imaging in the renewable energy sector, with a specific focus on the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The integration of IRT imaging and deep learning techniques presents an efficient and highly accurate solution for detecting defects in PV panels, playing a critical role in monitoring and maintaining PV energy systems. In addition, the application of infrared thermal imaging technology in electronic industry is reviewed. In the development and manufacturing of electronic products, IRT imaging is used to assess the performance and thermal characteristics of circuit boards. It aids in detecting potential material and manufacturing defects, ensuring product quality. Furthermore, the research discusses algorithmic detection for PV panels, the excitation sources used in electronic industry inspections, and infrared wavelengths. Finally, the review analyzes the advantages and challenges of IRT imaging concerning excitation sources, the PV industry, the electronics industry, and artificial intelligence (AI). It provides insights into critical issues requiring attention in future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting environmentally sound practices and utilizing resilient issues to face disruptive events and risks are new important agendas for enterprises, governments, and societies. The issue of supplier selection and evaluation in accordance with green and resilient principles has received little attention in the electronic industry. So, the present study aims to consider both criteria of resilience and greenness in a new supplier selection model. This study presents an integrated decision-making method based on the fuzzy set theory and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach for supplier selection in a supply chain network in an electronic manufacturing company. The fuzzy set theory was used for analyzing suppliers' indicator weights, the suppliers' performance, and rating them with respect to subcriteria. Then, the obtained data were aggregated to classify and prepare them for use in a version assurance region of the DEA method with one dummy input and three output variables to rank the suppliers. The performance of the proposed DEA-based model has been verified through the sensitivity analysis and it has been validated by the existing FIS-based model in the literature. Furthermore, the proposed DEA-based model can be designed with any number of suppliers and criteria and subcriteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsolescence and shortages affect almost all value chains. The electronics industry, in particular the manufacturers of electronic and IT devices, are well aware of them. They have been organizing themselves since the 1980s. However, repeated crises are generating unprecedented waiting and stock-out phenomena. SNCF Réseau sets up and maintains signaling installations for railway tracks. The equipment used is long-lived, ageing and exposed to environmental aggression. Customers (i.e. freight or passenger transporters) must be offered a very high level of operational availability of track. However, in-service support becomes extremely challenging as soon as the equipment contains obsolete or obsolescent components, leading to possible downtime. To improve the efficiency of obsolescence and shortages management, SNCF Réseau wishes to reinforce its internal processes. A partnership through an empirical research project was then carried out in order to (1) Discover the main causes of obsolescence cases and shortages allowing to develop proactive management processes, (2) Find out the duration of the commercial life of the main target components, and (3) Find out the time between the announcement of the manufacturing discontinuance and the date of the last buy order; i.e. LBO for some classes of electronic components. The paper presents the results of this research made for 3 global suppliers. The project group, made up of ISAE-Supméca engineering students and their industrial and academic tutors, studied about 3000 components. The study shows, among other issues, that: (i) obsolescence and shortage information is often incompletely explicit, (ii) obsolescence cases are due to a small number of main causes, (iii) data processing does not always enable statistical models to be obtained, and (iv) customers have to use huge efforts to find out the right data about the obsolescence cases. The proactive management should be therefore agile to deal with these uncertainties. The paper ends by exposing some conclusions and describing the future research works the authors follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, infrared thermographic (IRT) technology has experienced notable advancements and found widespread applications in various fields, such as renewable industry, electronic industry, construction, aviation, and healthcare. IRT technology is used for defect detection due to its non-contact, efficient, and high-resolution methods, which enhance product quality and reliability. This review offers an overview of active IRT principles. It comprehensively examines four categories based on the type of heat sources employed: pulsed thermography (PT), lock-in thermography (LT), ultrasonically stimulated vibration thermography (UVT), and eddy current thermography (ECT). Furthermore, the review explores the application of IRT imaging in the renewable energy sector, with a specific focus on the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The integration of IRT imaging and deep learning techniques presents an efficient and highly accurate solution for detecting defects in PV panels, playing a critical role in monitoring and maintaining PV energy systems. In addition, the application of infrared thermal imaging technology in electronic industry is reviewed. In the development and manufacturing of electronic products, IRT imaging is used to assess the performance and thermal characteristics of circuit boards. It aids in detecting potential material and manufacturing defects, ensuring product quality. Furthermore, the research discusses algorithmic detection for PV panels, the excitation sources used in electronic industry inspections, and infrared wavelengths. Finally, the review analyzes the advantages and challenges of IRT imaging concerning excitation sources, the PV industry, the electronics industry, and artificial intelligence (AI). It provides insights into critical issues requiring attention in future research endeavors.

The object of research is the electronic industry and economy on the example of Ukraine. The rapid development of national economies is accompanied by the introduction of the best innovative technologies and knowledge, which leads to the informatization of all processes in society. The electronic industry plays a key role in the development of the economies of market countries. And the problem of the global shortage of semiconductors, which are components in most devices, actualizes the pressing issue of the development of the electronic industry in Ukraine. In the course of the study, the method of theoretical analysis was used in the study of the electronic industry in Ukraine and statistical tools were used in the identification and assessment of trends in the development of the industry in Ukraine. As well as methods of theoretical analysis, comparison and generalization for the general analysis of the development of the domestic economy, and a graphic method for the analysis of statistical data on changes in the socio-economic state of the country and industry. The proposed work examines the development of the electronic products market and industry in Ukraine. The obtained results of the study indicate the insufficient level of development of the electronic industry in Ukraine, as well as the need to build a sustainable partnership between enterprises of the electronic industry and scientific institutes conducting developments in the field of nanomaterials. Thanks to the obtained research results, electronics manufacturers will be able to focus their attention on methods of building joint alliances with scientific institutes and increase the level of technology transfer in Ukraine. The results of the study can be used to compare the development of the electronic industry and the economy of European countries in conditions of constant crisis phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of critical success factors (CSFs) on the innovativeness of the electronic industry. We propose a novel conceptual model. To validate the model, we used structural equation modelling. Data were collected in a survey with 261 responses from companies in Brazil, Canada and the USA. A multigroup analysis was carried out. The results for the whole sample show that all the CSF investigated have a positive and significant influence at 1% on innovativeness, with the greatest influence obtained by the construct innovative culture and strategy, followed by research and development infrastructure, management knowledge and the innovative environment. The originality lies (1) in a proposition of a novel theoretical model that investigates both the individual effect and joint action of the constructs related to CSF, in a broader set of CSF; (2) in a deeper analysis of the relationship between innovativeness with the innovation performance of organizations in the electronic industry; (3) in a different dimension of analysis comparison considering three different innovation systems; and (4) in a managerial contribution by encouraging the construction of an organizational culture that has as its values the constant search for innovation and for encouraging the creation of innovative solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppliers play an important role in achieving an organization's sustainability goals. By engaging sustainable suppliers, an organization gets clean and green materials to ensure that their end-products are environmentally friendly. Sustainable supplier selection is a challenging task as it involves a complex decision making process involving different objectives and organization priorities. We propose a combined AHP-TOPSIS multiple criteria decision-making approach to solve this problem considering the uncertainty involved and to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative data. In this research, ethics is taken as the fourth dimension of sustainability along with Triple Bottom Line, considering that ethics plays a crucial role in purchasing activity and supplier selection. These four dimensions for sustainable supplier selection criteria have been divided into 16 sub-criteria to evaluate the suppliers. The model is demonstrated by its application to select a sustainable supplier in a real world electronics case company. The results indicate that economic factors still dominate during sustainable supplier selection. In selecting a sustainable supplier, it is found that prominence is given to human rights, safety systems and occupational health, pollution control and resource reduction and consumption, code of conduct, and transparency in suppliers' business and accounting criteria, which covers the other dimensions of sustainability. The application of the proposed model demonstrates the evaluation of tangible and intangible sustainability criteria in selecting a supplier. The result provides a ranking for the suppliers by showing their distances from the positive ideal solution of a sustainable supplier.

Copyright of H-Industria: Revista de Historia de la Industria Argentina y Latinoamericana is the property of H-Industria, Revista de Historia de la Industria Argentina y Latinoamericana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fiber-optic sensors available in the market used to measure physical quantities such as electrical and magnetic fields, electrical current, temperature, pressure, acceleration, flow of liquids and gases, and measurement of fluid levels in various industries. As of today, due to the growing use of fiber optics, manufacturers of many machineries and control systems have been keen on using these sensors in manufacturing products. In this paper, due to the increasing importance of optical sensors, especially in wireless sensor networks, in the Internet of things, and in optical fiber networks, these types of sensors have been widely studied over the past decades to date, and in terms of technical and their applications, have been reviewed and reported. The results of this article can be used for designers of these sensors in various industries and universities at undergraduate, post-graduate students, and senior physics and engineering departments.

Copyright of Transfer: Zeitschrift für Kommunikation & Markenmanagement is the property of Deutsche Werbewissenschaftliche Gesellschaft and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the authors' pilot project for monitoring the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Electronics Industry of the Russian Federation. Monitoring stages include analysis of industry indicators (number and size of organizations, intensity of competition); economic viability (economic potential, efficiency, growth); business reputation of companies (corporate, financial, market, social components). Sectoral indicators are proposed as quantitative characteristics that provide regular diagnostics of the development of the industry and the identification of the most effective business models, which will serve as the basis for justifying the forms of financing and a flexible system of support for enterprises. The monitoring model developed provides control over the restructuring of the industry, the creation of a fair competitive market, an increase in the share of efficient private Russian companies, and their integration into the global ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, industries were concentrating only on the economic aspects of a business. Many organizations are now addressing the social and environment impact of their supply chain for which they are adopting sustainability in their supply chain. The process of transformation to a sustainable supply chain will encounter some barriers which need to be eliminated or mitigated. To successfully manage these obstacles, it is crucial to know and study these barriers in specific context. This research aims to identify and analyse major barriers hampering sustainability implementation in the case of electronics industry in India. Through literature review and experts’ opinion eleven barriers are identified and classified into categories of Policy, Human resource and Technology. The hierarchical structure and interrelationship among these barriers is established using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology. A major finding in this research is that lack of awareness on benefits of sustainability, lack of regulations and enforcement of environment standards and lack of commitment from top management are significant barriers in implementation of a sustainable supply chain. The driving and driven powers of these barriers and their interdependence is determined. Using MICMAC analysis, five barriers were recognized to be the driver variables, three barriers as dependent variables and three as linkage variables. The barrier lack of performance metrics/evaluation standards on sustainability is having strong dependence power and least driving power implying that it is highly influenced by other variables. It is found that most of the barriers in the policy category are independent with high driving and influencing power. The research draws attention to formulate targeted policies at both government and organizational level in the electronics industry for successful implementation of sustainable supply chain management. The modeling gives an insight to organizations in confronting barriers and to manage their resources in an efficient and effective way while making their supply chains sustainable. The paper concludes with findings and future scope of research being discussed.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs), as one-dimensional nanometallic materials, have attracted wide attention due to the excellent electrical conductivity, transparency and flexibility, especially in flexible and stretchable electronics. However, the microscopic discontinuities require AgNWs be attached to some carrier for practical applications. Relative to the preparation method, how to integrate AgNWs into the flexible matrix is particularly important. In recent years, plenty of papers have been published on the preparation of conductors based on AgNWs, including printing techniques, coating techniques, vacuum filtration techniques, template-assisted assembly techniques, electrospinning techniques and gelating techniques. The aim of this review is to discuss different assembly method of AgNW-based conducting film and their advantages. Conducting films based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been reviewed with a focus on their assembly and their advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium is an vital rare metal mainly because of its growing demand in different domain of life. It has wide applications. Gallium is considered as the backbone of the electronics industry. The supply and demand of galliumbearing products has gradually increased during the past decade. Therefore, from the environmental stand point the need for sensitive and reliable methods for determining trace concentrations of gallium has become apparent in various fields. Gallium has become increasingly popular as a substrate material for electronic devices. Aside from ore, gallium can be obtained from such industrial sources as the Bayer process caustic liquor that is a byproduct of bauxite processing, flue dust removed from the fume-collection system in plants that produce aluminum by the electrolytic process, zinc refinery residues, gallium scrap materials, and coal fly ash. The purification process for gallium can start with solvent-extraction processes where the concentrations of impurities, especially metals, are reduced to the ppm range. The main aim of this paper is to simply put up the salient facts regarding gallium and identify applicable sources of information thereby one may create a suitable environment for the development of methods for the production of gallium via leaching through various waste samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Espacios is the property of Talleres de Impresos Oma and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is considered a source for productivity growth of manufacturing industries in developing countries. Mexico, since the opening of its economy, has facilitated the arrival of foreign companies expecting economic benefits in the form of spillovers. The case of Japanese FDI in Mexico is relevant due to the fact that FDI flows have increased considerably with presence in the electronic industry since the entry into force of the Economic Partnership Agreement in 2015. Previous studies have shown that due to specific characteristics of Japanese FDI, there are positive and relevant impacts for the productivity of different manufacturing industries in different contexts. The objective of this study is the analysis of the productive effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of Japan on the growth in production of the electronics industry of Mexico during the period from 2000 to 2016. Method: The KLEMS methodology was employed as the basis for the econometric model. Two time-series regression models are presented with aggregated data using independent variables related to production factors (national capital, foreign capital, labor, energy, materials and services) to observe their effects on the production of the electronic industry, as a dependent variable. The working hypothesis is: Japanese FDI has a positive and significant effect on production of each of the industrial branches in Mexico's electronic industry. The first of these models is estimated for the whole electronic industry and the second one analyzes each branch of the electronic industry, both using data from 2000 to 2016. Finally, the results are contrasted with a third model that follows a Cobb-Douglas type of production function with two factors (capital and labor) to compare the results regarding FDI and the productivity effects in the electronic industry and the industrial branches. Results: The results indicate positive and significant effects for three of the six branches of the electronic industry analyzed. Discussion or Conclusion: From the results obtained, it is concluded that Japanese IED has positive productive effects in the electronic industry's branches related to computers and peripheral equipment and in audio and video. Under certain specifications additional effects are found in the branch of magnetic and optical equipment. The analysis indicates that the effects of FDI should be analyzed by branch and / or economic class within a particular industry of the recipient country. Likewise, under the KLEMS methodology, there is a strong relationship between the intermediate consumption of production factors, mainly materials, with the growth of the production of this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to determine the evolution of television set industry in Tijuana. The methodology used to analyze the industrial upgrading process involved a comparison between two critical moments in this industry: the evolution from the cathode ray tube television set to the flat screen television set, and, a decade later, the changes in the business models. The study was based on two surveys and on qualitative interviews. The results show that there was an increase in the manufacturers’ productive and competitive performance, but the allocation of the technological and productive capabilities in the region was different. It was not possible to incorporate the Mexican suppliers and the added value of most of the plants studied was low. It is concluded that technological advancement and the change in the business models of the companies that make up the television set industry in Tijuana caused a downgrading in the technological and labor capacities, and thus constrained the upgrading process achieved.

In the 20th century the idea of competitiveness flourished and became one of the most popular buzzwords in economic debate, both among researchers and economic practitioners. Cutting-edge technologies and various innovations of today are perceived as the major factors of economic success, either on macro or microlevel. This paper aims at examining the relationship between R&D expenditures and export performance in high-tech sectors and the competitive advantages in these sectors in 16 European Union countries. In most of the analysed countries, the research found a dependence between the scale of R&D expenditures and the countries' export performance in the high-technology sectors. To achieve the predefined research objective, the authors used the correlation coefficients. The results of the study proved that R&D expenditures are strictly correlated with export performance of the examined countries. Moreover, the correlation between R&D expenditures and the Balassa RCA index confirms that the R&D expenditures in the high-tech are correlated with the competitive advantages in the Balassa meaning. The results of the performed analysis are largely consistent with theoretical and empirical literature economies' competitiveness and the impact of R&D expenditures and innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automatic testing machine, called by mixed-load tester, has ability to load and test multiple product families in different testing durations simultaneously. However, the high product mixes for each product family undergoes a different process flow. In addition, the capability of the robot inside tester used for loading and unloading a product to each slot makes the capacity planning problem more complicated. It effects low tester utilization. This paper developed simulation models of capacity planning scenarios under demand and testing time uncertainty. These scenarios are built by robust optimization to handle worst case condition. The result shows the proposed solutions gives better tester utilization and improves the decision making process by providing more detailed and precise information about capacity planning under uncertainties that was not available in company's current method. To the best of our knowledge, this developed model is the first one considering the mixed-load tester under uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the hi-tech sphere, business integration forms widely wary. Particularly interesting is a way of such integration practiced in Japan through associations called «keiretsu» whose functioning mechanism is considered in detail. Specific features of this approach make it advantageous incomparison to classic western firm integration ways. Still, experiences gained in USA and some European countries, particularly in Finland, are of interest for Russian hi-tech business too.

This article describes the impact of R&D investment to on the economic stability in the Czech electronics industry in the period 2007–2014. Increasing the competitiveness of companies is conditional on the systematic investments, development and stability of companies. Searching for competitive advantage through innovation may be one of the ways of how to obtaining a stab. market position in the industry. The aim of this article was is to determine whether there are relations between changes of economic indicators and the reporting process of research activities for innovative companies in the electronics industry. The research was conducted among 103 companies based in the Czech Republic, which invested in R&D in 2007 – 2013. The comparison was made between companies which invested in the 2007 – 2013 in the annual or occasional R&D. Two subgroups were established and companies in each subgroup were monitored companies according to their size. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess if relationships among R&D Expenditure and Operating Revenue were preserved across periods. Two hypotheses were formulated and verified on the basis of statistical data processing of innovative companies. The results showed that innovative companies had the ability to better capitalize on their asset base, and they are better able to cover their needs from their own resources better than other companies of in the electronics industry. Their ability to provide a return on equity varies by according to company size. Innovative companies showed an ability to reach a positive outcome from operating activities. The coefficient of self-financing for SMEs is for SMEs constantly above the industry mean and increases with the length of period of time. This trend was not confirmed for micro-companies and large companies this trend was not confirmed.

This study aimed to identify how collaboration for innovation relates to the sustainable performance of the electronics industry in Brazil. We used a quantitative approach, collecting data by means of a cross-sectional survey in a sample of 112 companies. The main result indicates that the relationship between collaboration and sustainable performance is positive and significant, but of low intensity, confirming the indication from the literature. The same is noticed in checking the relationship between the collaboration and the three dimensions of sustainable performance, although no statistically significant difference was found between the degree of correlation and the three dimensions. Intervening factors such as size, age, internationalization and capital structure were also considered in verifying the relationship between collaboration for innovation and sustainable performance.

Copyright of Research of Environmental Sciences is the property of Research of Environmental Sciences Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Graphical abstract Highlights • First time investigation of electrochemical treatment of electronics wastewater. • A complete mass balance was obtained after quantifying the main compounds. • An oxidation pathway including IPA, acetone and by-products is proposed. • 23% increase of mineralization with BDD anode compared to carbon-PTFE cloth anode. • Quickest increase of BOD 5 /COD ratio with the novel carbon-PTFE cloth anode. Abstract For the first time, real effluents from the micro-electronics industry were treated by paired advanced electrocatalysis, combining electro-Fenton (EF) with anodic oxidation (AO). A detailed characterization of the effluents was performed, showing that isopropanol (IPA) and acetone were the main constituents of the wastewater. Both compounds were completely degraded during the first 120 min of treatment. By monitoring the degradation intermediates, an oxidation pathway was proposed, which includes short-chain carboxylic acids as the main end-organic compounds. While carbon brush served as the cathode, two anode materials were utilized: boron-doped diamond (BDD) and carbon-PTFE cloth (CC). Despite the lower mineralization efficiency showed by CC as compared to BDD (76.5% of TOC removal with CC vs 94.0% of TOC removal with BDD after 4 h), CC showed potential to increase the BOD 5 /COD ratio of the effluent that reached 0.7 after only 45 min (0.6 in 30 min with BDD). These results suggest that the electrolysis time could be kept short, improving the cost-effectiveness of the process, especially if CC is used. Overall, the results point out the suitability of advanced electrocatalysis to treat real electronics wastewater with low energy requirements, short treatment times and cost-effective electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles or metal-based compounds have drawn attention in various fields ranging from industry to medicine because of their unique physicochemical properties. Bismuth (Bi) compounds and nanomaterials have been commonly used in alloys, electronic industry, batteries, and as flame retardants as well as for anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy, while the nanomaterial form has great potential for computed tomography imaging and thermotherapy, both of which will be introduced in this review. Although Bi was used for several decades, there is a lack of detailed information concerning their toxicity and mechanisms on human health. We described the toxicity of Bi on the kidney that seemed to be relatively known by researchers, while the mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, our group has found that Bi compounds, including bismuth nitrate (BN) and Bi nanomaterials, can induce autophagy in kidney cells. We also extended our findings by selecting five Bi compounds, and the results showed that BN, bismuth oxychloride, bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, and Bi nanomaterials all induced slight cytotoxicity accompanied with autophagy. Although the role of autophagy in Bi-induced cytotoxicity and kidney injury is under investigation by us, autophagy may help with the exploration of the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity by Bi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the separation of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) from synthetic liquid wastes of electronic industry is carried out by using a micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) process. This treatment represents the first step of an integrated process, aimed at the recovery of TMAH and surfactant and water reuse. The laboratory tests are carried out with an ultrafiltration module using initial solutions having a concentration of pollutant equal to 2 g/L and by adding sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant, at a concentration in the range 4–10 mM/L, that is, under and above its critical micellar concentration (CMC). The experiments have been carried out at a fixed temperature of 25°C. The obtained results showed that very good percentage removals of TMAH are achieved (99%), especially when the surfactant was above the CMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]