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1 – 10 of 22Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed, Kyari Bulama, Alhaji Modu Bukar, Mala Ali Modu, Audu Alhaji Usman, Alhaji Kasir Lawan and Garba Abba Habib
The effects of dust exposure in buildings and its health and comfort consequences continue to concern occupants, particularly those who spend most of their time indoors. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The effects of dust exposure in buildings and its health and comfort consequences continue to concern occupants, particularly those who spend most of their time indoors. This study examines the influence of building opening characteristics on surface dust loading in indoor environments to determine the dust particles' impact on different opening configurations.
Design/methodology/approach
Indoor Harmattan dust surface loading data were collected from Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria, using model rooms with six different window configurations. A simple mathematical relationship was employed to assess surface dust loading characteristics in the model rooms. The study measured dust thrice between December and February for three days (72 h). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
The results determined the highest average surface dust loading of 12.03 g/m2 in the room with awning windows at an indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratio of 0.7. In contrast, the experiment in the room with a closed window recorded the lowest average surface dust loading of 5.24 g/m2 at an I/O ratio of 0.30, which is infiltration. The outcomes further indicate that the average surface dust loading varies with the building opening type and position, as higher surface dust loadings were recorded in locations closer to the openings (doors and windows), reaffirming that the dominant source of the dust particles is outdoors. According to the study, dust incursion due to infiltration accounts for 30% of the outdoor surface loading.
Originality/value
Thus, Harmattan dust is a serious challenge to the health, productivity and hygiene of building occupants in the study area. The built-environment professionals must use the study's outcome to optimize building openings' designs (shape, size and form) for effective indoor dust control.
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Agnishwar Girigoswami, Poornima Govindharaj, Mahashweta Mitra Ghosh and Koyeli Girigoswami
Abstract
Purpose
In addition to agriculture, energy production, and industries, potable water plays a significant role in many fields, further increasing the demand for potable water. Purification and desalination play a major role in meeting the need for clean drinking water. Clean water is necessary in different areas, such as agriculture, industry, food industries, energy generation and in everyday chores.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used the different search engines like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed to find the relevant articles and prepared this mini review.
Findings
The various stages of water purification include coagulation and flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation and disinfection, which have been discussed in this mini review. Using nanotechnology in wastewater purification plants can minimize the cost of wastewater treatment plants by combining several conventional procedures into a single package.
Social implications
In society, we need to avail clean water to meet our everyday, industrial and agricultural needs. Purification of grey water can meet the clean water scarcity and make the environment sustainable.
Originality/value
This mini review will encourage the researchers to find out ways in water remediation to meet the need of pure water in our planet and maintain sustainability.
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K.I.L. Abhayantha, B.A.K.S. Perera, H.A.H.P. Perera and Roshani S. Palliyaguru
Environmental risks (ERs) are critical to any highway construction project (HCP). One of the main contracting parties responsible for ERs is the contractor. Hence, it has been…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental risks (ERs) are critical to any highway construction project (HCP). One of the main contracting parties responsible for ERs is the contractor. Hence, it has been crucial to look into ways to control ERs in HCPs from the contractor’s perspective. This study aims to investigate how ERs can be managed in HCP in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach with three rounds of Delphi was used. Statistical techniques were used to analyse and validate the ERs, the parties to whom the risks were to be allocated, and risk management measures identified from the empirical data collection.
Findings
The study reveals the 11 most significant ERs for HCP. Further, the most significant ERs in HCP were mainly found to be the responsibility of contractors in Sri Lanka. Twenty-four most appropriate risk response measures were determined; 13 were found to be common measures that could be used to manage two or more risks, while the remaining 11 were unique to specific risks.
Originality/value
Overall, this research determines the most significant ERs in HCP, the best risk allocation among the parties and appropriate risk-handling strategies and measures for each significant ERs. Additionally, the study addresses the demand for ERs management in HCP.
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Scientific impact is traditionally assessed with citation-based metrics. Recently, altmetric indices have been introduced to measure scientific impact both within academia and…
Abstract
Purpose
Scientific impact is traditionally assessed with citation-based metrics. Recently, altmetric indices have been introduced to measure scientific impact both within academia and among the general public. However, little research has investigated the association between the linguistic features of research article titles and received online attention. To address this issue, the authors examined in the present study the relationship between a series of title features and altmetric attention scores.
Design/methodology/approach
The data included 8,658 titles of Science articles. The authors extracted six features from the title corpus (i.e. mean word length, lexical sophistication, lexical density, title length, syntactic dependency length and sentiment score). The authors performed Spearman’s rank analyses to analyze the correlations between these features and online impact. The authors then conducted a stepwise backward multiple regression to identify predictors for the articles' online impact.
Findings
The correlation analyses revealed weak but significant correlations between all six title features and the altmetric attention scores. The regression analysis showed that four linguistic features of titles (mean word length, lexical sophistication, title length and sentiment score) have modest predictive effects on the online impact of research articles.
Originality/value
In the internet era with the widespread use of social media and online platforms, it is becoming increasingly important for researchers to adapt to the changing context of research evaluation. This study identifies several linguistic features that deserve scholars’ attention in the writing of article titles. It also has practical implications for academic administrators and pedagogical implications for instructors of academic writing courses.
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Mustafa Faza’, Nemer Badwan and Montaser Hamdan
The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the audit expectations gap among stakeholders in listed firms in Palestine. The purpose of the investigation is to determine…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the audit expectations gap among stakeholders in listed firms in Palestine. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not there is a gap in audit expectations between auditors and investors, auditors and board directors, as well as among auditors and financial managers and also among auditors and shareholders.
Design/methodology/approach
To attain its ultimate objective, this study was created using an exploratory descriptive methodology grounded in the use of quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire was used to gather study data from 81 respondents, and a statistical package for the social sciences-26 was then used for analysis.
Findings
The results of this research showed that there is a sizable difference in audit expectations among shareholders, financial managers and board directors, as well as among auditors and investors. The findings also demonstrate that, in comparison to the difference between auditors and financial managers, the gap between auditors and board directors and auditors and shareholders is very narrow.
Research limitations/implications
This investigation, which examines the audit expectations gap in great detail, has some significant limitations. This study was limited to the Palestinian market alone. Future research might compare or examine the variations in audit expectations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran, among different countries. In addition, the demand for accurate and reliable financial reports has sparked a recent increase in interest in auditing, a long-standing sector that has expanded in recent years.
Practical implications
The study has several practical implications, for example, it underlines how crucial it is to make stakeholders aware of the limitations and difficulties related to the auditing process. By doing this, the situation that audit committees and listed firms find themselves in will be easier for investors, board directors, financial managers and shareholders to understand. The way that auditors and stakeholders communicate can help reduce this gap since it affects how much each party underestimates or understates the other’s obligations.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by analysing and identifying the causes of the audit expectations gap in companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange and providing useful insights and potential solutions to close or mitigate it. It also adds a new contribution to the literature related to the audit expectation gap. This investigation offers unambiguous evidence of a sizable discrepancy between audit expectations and actual performance in terms of formal auditor obligations as outlined by current law, as well as auditor reliability standards and practices, between auditors, board directors, investors, shareholders and financial managers in listed Palestinian firms.
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Hajar Pouran Manjily, Mahmood Alborzi, Turaj Behrouz and Seyed Mohammad Seyed- Hosseini
This study aims to focused on conducting a comprehensive assessment of the technology readiness level (TRL) of Iran’s oil field intelligence compared to other countries with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focused on conducting a comprehensive assessment of the technology readiness level (TRL) of Iran’s oil field intelligence compared to other countries with similar oil reservoirs. The ultimate objective is to optimize oil extraction from this field by leveraging intelligent technology. Incorporating intelligent technology in oil fields can significantly simplify operations, especially in challenging-to-access areas and increase oil production, thereby generating higher income and profits for the field owner.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluates the level of maturity of present oil field technologies from the perspective of an intelligent oil field by using criteria for measuring the readiness of technologies. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 18 competent oil industry professionals. Using weighted criteria, a mean estimate of oil field technical maturity was derived from the responses of respondents. Researchers evaluated the level of technological readiness for Brunei, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s oil fields using scientific studies.
Findings
None of the respondents believe that the intelligent oil field in Iran is highly developed and has a TRL 9 readiness level. The bulk of experts believed that intelligent technologies in the Iran oil industry have only reached TRL 2 and 1, or are merely in the transfer phase of fundamental and applied research. Clearly, Brunei, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have the most developed oil fields in the world. In Iran, academics and executive and contracting firms in the field of intelligent oil fields are working to intelligently develop young oil fields.
Originality/value
This study explores the level of maturity of intelligent technology in one of Iran’s oil fields. It compares it to the level of maturity of intelligent technology in several other intelligent oil fields throughout the globe. Increasing intelligent oil fields TRL enables better reservoir management and causes more profit and oil recovery.
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Mahmoud Ali Hailat, Mohammad W. Alomari and Ala' Bashayreh
This paper investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty gap which is the shortfall in income or consumption expenditures below $1.90, $3.20 and $5.50 per day. The paper’s…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty gap which is the shortfall in income or consumption expenditures below $1.90, $3.20 and $5.50 per day. The paper’s primary goal is to investigate how microloans have impacted the severity of poverty and influenced the cost of poverty eradication in Latin America, empirically evaluate these effects and offer appropriate policy recommendations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper used panel data for 13 Latin American countries from world bank spanning the period 2001–2019 and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares model for heterogeneous cointegrated panels. This study used Gross Loan Portfolio per active borrowers, gross domestic product per capita, Gini index, Inflation and Unemployment rate as independent variables and poverty gaps as dependent variables.
Findings
Poverty gaps narrow as the loan per borrower increases, and the degree of effect differs with the poverty line, with the magnitude increasing as the poverty line falls, underscoring microloans as an effective tool in closing poverty gaps and lowering the cost of poverty eradication. Growth of GDP per capita is helpful reducing the poverty gap, especially for the less poor of the poor. Inflation and unemployment have no to little impact on the severe poverty gaps, but they start to matter when the poverty line is $5.5 per day. Finally, income distribution inequality widens the poverty gap regardless of the poverty line used.
Originality/value
This study suggests several implications. For example, Latin American nations need to embrace tangible policies that encourage economic growth while reducing inequalities in income distribution to effectively eradicate poverty. More supportive environment is necessary to increase the effectiveness of microfinance operations, particularly for the poorest populations. Microfinance institutions need to set less stringent conditions for loan accessibility and repayment schedules that are commensurate with different levels of poverty. Finally, strengthening microfinance as a strategic policy to gradually close poverty gaps and reduce the cost of poverty eradication.
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Fatih Selimefendigil and Hakan F. Oztop
Multiple encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) are used in a wide range of applications, including convective drying, electronic cooling, waste heat recovery and air…
Abstract
Purpose
Multiple encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) are used in a wide range of applications, including convective drying, electronic cooling, waste heat recovery and air conditioning. Therefore, it is important to understand the performance of multiple PCMs in channels with flow separation and develop methods to increase their effectiveness. The aim of the study is to analyze the phase transition dynamics of multiple encapsulated PCMs mounted in a U-shaped tube under inclined magnetic field by using ternary nanofluid.
Design/methodology/approach
The PCMs used in the upper horizontal channel, vertical channel and lower horizontal channel are denoted by M1, M2 and M3. Magnetic field is uniform and inclined while finite element method is used as the solution technique. Triple encapsulated-PCM system study is carried out taking into account different values of Reynolds number (Re, ranges from 300 to 1,000), Hartmann number (Ha ranges from 0 and 60), magnetic field inclination (between 0 and 90) and solid volume fraction of ternary nanofluid (between 0 and 0.03). The dynamic response of the liquid fraction is estimated for each PCM with varying Re, Ha and t using an artificial neural network.
Findings
It is observed that for PCMs M2 and M3, the influence of Re on the phase transition is more effective. For M2 and M3, entire transition time (t-F) lowers by approximately 47% and 47.5% when Re is increased to its maximum value, whereas it only falls by 10% for M1. The dynamic characteristics of the phase transition are impacted by imposing MGF and varying its strength and inclination. When Ha is raised from Ha = 0 to Ha = 50, the t-F for PCM-M2 (PCM-M3) falls (increases) by around 30% (29%). For PCMs M1, M2 and M3, the phase transition process accelerates by around 20%, 30% and 28% when the solid volume fraction is increased to its maximum value.
Originality/value
Outcomes of this research is useful for understanding the phase change behavior of multiple PCMs in separated flow and using various methods such as nano-enhanced magnetic field to improve their effectiveness. Research outputs are beneficial for initial design and optimization of using multiple PCMs in diverse energy system technologies, including solar power, waste heat recovery, air conditioning, thermal management and drying.
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Subaveerapandiyan A., Priyanka Sinha, Madhuri Kumari and Mohammad Amees
The present study investigates information-sharing behaviour and awareness of students towards the infringement of copyright and associated rights while information sharing. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study investigates information-sharing behaviour and awareness of students towards the infringement of copyright and associated rights while information sharing. The purpose of this study is to seek answers to the issue of whether or not students infringe on the rights of others and, if they do, whether they do so deliberately or unwittingly. Even though the Copyright Act and copyrighted works are often disregarded, students, teachers and peers are long-term trading and adapting new e-resources for their use.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collected data from students in India through a survey using Google Forms from January 2022 to May 2022. It analysed it using SPSS software to identify behaviour patterns, trends and factors influencing actions and awareness regarding potential copyright issues during data sharing.
Findings
The study finds that many students in India engage in copyright infringement, either deliberately or unwittingly. Many students are unaware of copyright laws and regulations and do not understand the consequences of their actions.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s findings are limited to students in Tamil Nadu, India, and may not represent students in other countries or regions. The findings can inform policies and educational programmes that promote ethical and legal behaviour among students and help reduce the incidence of copyright infringement.
Originality/value
This study’s originality and value stem from its unique approach of merging information sharing, seeking and copyright concepts.
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Nirmal K. Manna, Abhinav Saha, Nirmalendu Biswas and Koushik Ghosh
This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow within these systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a constraint-based approach to analyze the impact of geometric shapes on heat transfer and irreversibility. Two equivalent systems, a square cavity and a circular cavity, are examined, considering identical heating/cooling lengths and fluid flow volume. The analysis includes parameters such as magnetic field strength, nanoparticle concentration and accompanying irreversibility.
Findings
This study reveals that circular geometry outperforms square geometry in terms of heat flow, fluid flow and heat transfer. The equivalent circular thermal system is more efficient, with heat transfer enhancements of approximately 17.7%. The corresponding irreversibility production rate is also higher, which is up to 17.6%. The total irreversibility production increases with Ra and decreases with a rise in Ha. However, the effect of magnetic field orientation (γ) on total EG is minor.
Research limitations/implications
Further research can explore additional geometric shapes, orientations and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of thermal performance in different configurations. Experimental validation can also complement the numerical analysis presented in this study.
Originality/value
This research introduces a constraint-based approach for evaluating heat transport and irreversibility in MHD nanofluid flow within square and circular thermal systems. The comparison of equivalent geometries and the consideration of constraint-based analysis contribute to the originality and value of this work. The findings provide insights for designing optimal thermal systems and advancing MHD nanofluid flow control mechanisms, offering potential for improved efficiency in various applications.
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