MEST Journal


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DOI: 10.12709/13.13.01.00


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MEST Journal warmly invites top-tier, original research articles from global scientists, professionals, professors, and Ph.D. students specializing in the realms of management, economics, society, and technology. For further information, please refer to the Author Guidelines section.

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In the Next Issues


In the next issues of the MEST Journal, among others, we will publish:
  1. Zoran Cekerevac

    HYDROGEN HAZARDS, RISKS, AND PROTECTION: AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW
    To read the article before publishing click here

    Abstract: This paper delves into the significance of hydrogen as a clean energy source, focusing on its properties, production, storage, and distribution. The study highlights the general risks associated with hydrogen usage in various sectors, including hydrogen stations, vehicles, and industrial applications. It presents a comprehensive analysis of hydrogen hazards with safety measures, protocols, and regulations at international, national, and occupational levels. A key section of the paper examines several known hydrogen-related incidents, such as explosions and fires at various facilities and locations worldwide, spanning from the BP Texas City Refinery explosion in 2005 to more recent incidents. Each case study provides an in-depth analysis and extracts valuable lessons learned to improve safety standards and protection measures. The paper explores ...     This paper delves into the significance of hydrogen as a clean energy source, focusing on its properties, production, storage, and distribution. The study highlights the general risks associated with hydrogen usage in various sectors, including hydrogen stations, vehicles, and industrial applications. It presents a comprehensive analysis of hydrogen hazards with safety measures, protocols, and regulations at international, national, and occupational levels. A key section of the paper examines several known hydrogen-related incidents, such as explosions and fires at various facilities and locations worldwide, spanning from the BP Texas City Refinery explosion in 2005 to more recent incidents. Each case study provides an in-depth analysis and extracts valuable lessons learned to improve safety standards and protection measures. The paper explores the future of hydrogen and risk management, emphasizing the development of new technologies and innovative solutions for safer hydrogen use. That includes hydrogen fuel cells coupling with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to ensure a reliable energy supply and enhance grid stability. By integrating hydrogen as an energy storage medium, the study addresses the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, ultimately contributing to a more stable and flexible energy system. In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of continued research and development to mitigate risks, enhance protection measures, and ensure the safe adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution.

    Keywords: Hydrogen Safety. Risk Management. Clean Energy. Fuel Cells. Renewable Integration. Incident Analysis.

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  2. Walter E. Block

    REJOINDER TO JOFFE ON THE COMPATIBILITY OF LIBERTARIANISM AND ZIONISM
    To read the article before publishing click here

    Abstract: Joffe (2024) maintains an either-or position on Zionism and libertarianism: you must choose one or the other, you cannot support both. If you do, you are illogical. Then he goes on to drive a wedge between the two. He mentions numerous arenas in which they supposedly divide. For example, the Israeli military’s harsh response to the atrocities of October 7, 2023, is incompatible with libertarianism. The citizens of that country are Zionists, and they mistreat the Palestinians in numerous ways. But this thesis fails since highly respected libertarians, leaders of this movement, disagree ...     Joffe (2024) maintains an either-or position on Zionism and libertarianism: you must choose one or the other, you cannot support both. If you do, you are illogical. Then he goes on to drive a wedge between the two. He mentions numerous arenas in which they supposedly divide. For example, the Israeli military’s harsh response to the atrocities of October 7, 2023, is incompatible with libertarianism. The citizens of that country are Zionists, and they mistreat the Palestinians in numerous ways. But this thesis fails since highly respected libertarians, leaders of this movement, disagree with one another. Both cannot be correct, one of them must necessarily be taking an anti-libertarian position. For example, Ron Paul is pro-life, and Murray Rothbard is pro-choice. Any theory that claims one or the other of them is not a libertarian, such as Joffe’s thesis does, is dead upon arrival. The present paper maintains, moreover, that there is no logical contradiction between the two as to the specifics. Namely, this author is in error in his condemnation of the Israeli citizenry and the IDF.

    Keywords: Zionism, libertarianism, logical coherence, Israel, contradiction.

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  3. Walter E. Block

    REJOINDER TO ORWELLIAN LIBERTARIANISM: GORDON AND NJOYA’S TOPSY-TURVY WORLD OF TWILIGHT ZONE LIBERTARIANISM
    To read the article before publishing click here

    Abstract: Gordon and Njoya, in their work "Orwellian Libertarianism: The Topsy-Turvy World of Walter Block," heavily criticize me on a variety of issues related to libertarian theory, including shields, swords, negative homesteading, Hamas, and Rothbard. This paper serves as my response to their critique. These two authors uniquely claim that libertarian philosophy is perfect as it currently stands and that any changes or alterations are inherently flawed. This is particularly interesting because both scholars have made significant and novel contributions to the philosophy of freedom, thereby ...     Gordon and Njoya, in their work "Orwellian Libertarianism: The Topsy-Turvy World of Walter Block," heavily criticize me on a variety of issues related to libertarian theory, including shields, swords, negative homesteading, Hamas, and Rothbard. This paper serves as my response to their critique. These two authors uniquely claim that libertarian philosophy is perfect as it currently stands and that any changes or alterations are inherently flawed. This is particularly interesting because both scholars have made significant and novel contributions to the philosophy of freedom, thereby contradicting their new thesis. Talk about being hoisted by your own petard. They are highly critical of my introduction of the concept of "negative homesteading" to libertarianism. However, they do not provide any substantial criticism of this idea; they only dismiss it because it is novel. This stick-in-the-mud viewpoint is very surprising and disappointing, especially coming from two world-class philosophers who have previously shown great innovation and open-mindedness in their academic pursuits.

    Keywords: Orwell, Twilight Zone, Libertarianism, Shields, Swords.

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  4. Zoran Cekerevac

    ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS OF USING GASOLINE, ELECTRIC, HYBRID, AND HYDROGEN-POWERED VEHICLES
    To read the article before publishing click here

    Abstract: The automotive industry, a cornerstone of economic development, faces significant transitions driven by stringent environmental regulations and technological advancements. This paper examines the economic and ecological risks of various vehicle propulsion systems, including gasoline, electrical, hybrid, and hydrogen drives. Gasoline engines, while economically stable, pose environmental and health challenges. Electric vehicles, supported by state incentives, have a growing market share but encounter issues related to infrastructure and high costs. Hybrid cars, blending gasoline and electric technologies, inherit risks from both systems. Despite their potential for clean energy, hydrogen-powered vehicles require substantial technological advancements and infrastructure investment. The analysis highlights the necessity for continuous research and development to mitigate these risks and leverage the benefits of each propulsion type. Although it is beneficial for reducing pollution, ...     The automotive industry, a cornerstone of economic development, faces significant transitions driven by stringent environmental regulations and technological advancements. This paper examines the economic and ecological risks of various vehicle propulsion systems, including gasoline, electrical, hybrid, and hydrogen drives. Gasoline engines, while economically stable, pose environmental and health challenges. Electric vehicles, supported by state incentives, have a growing market share but encounter issues related to infrastructure and high costs. Hybrid cars, blending gasoline and electric technologies, inherit risks from both systems. Despite their potential for clean energy, hydrogen-powered vehicles require substantial technological advancements and infrastructure investment. The analysis highlights the necessity for continuous research and development to mitigate these risks and leverage the benefits of each propulsion type. Although it is beneficial for reducing pollution, the shift towards electric and hydrogen vehicles must consider the entire lifecycle impact, from raw material extraction to vehicle use. The authors emphasize that the sharing economy, combined with the reorganization of public transportation, is the only permanent solution to air and environmental pollution problems. Other solutions, while helpful, are considered temporary and partial. Significant changes in transportation organization and vehicle use are essential to achieve sustainable development and effectively address urban traffic issues. By focusing on holistic and sustainable solutions, the automotive industry can navigate the challenges of transitioning to greener technologies while maintaining economic stability.

    Keywords: Propulsion systems, Environmental regulations, Technological advancements, Economic risks, Hydrogen vehicles, Electric vehicles, Sustainability, Public transportation.

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  5. Kang Zheng, Martin Kralj, and Marko Vidnjevic

    ANALYSIS OF CHINA'S GROWING COMPETITIVENESS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
    To read the article before publishing click here

    Abstract: This paper explores the competitive challenges and opportunities facing the European automotive industry due to the green transition, digitalization, and growing global competition. With the EU’s declining global market share, increasing reliance on imports, and slower progress in electric vehicle (EV) innovation, the European sector is undergoing significant shifts. Despite these challenges, the growing presence of Chinese automakers presents opportunities for collaboration, particularly in EV development. By forming strategic partnerships with China and aligning regulatory frameworks, the EU can ...     This paper explores the competitive challenges and opportunities facing the European automotive industry due to the green transition, digitalization, and growing global competition. With the EU’s declining global market share, increasing reliance on imports, and slower progress in electric vehicle (EV) innovation, the European sector is undergoing significant shifts. Despite these challenges, the growing presence of Chinese automakers presents opportunities for collaboration, particularly in EV development. By forming strategic partnerships with China and aligning regulatory frameworks, the EU can leverage these opportunities to drive innovation, enhance market competitiveness, and strengthen its position in the automotive sector. Slovenia is highlighted as a case study of how EU countries can benefit from such collaborations, focusing on high-value-added services like research and development, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The paper argues that through cooperation with China, Europe can address the changing dynamics of the global automotive market, meet its sustainability targets under the European Green Deal, and remain competitive in the automotive industry.

    Keywords: Automotive, International trade, Trade policy, Globalization, Global competitiveness, China, Slovenia.

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