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Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

S.N. Basavana Gowda, Subhash Yaragal, C. Rajasekaran and Sharan Kumar Goudar

In recent years, fire accidents in engineering structures have often been reported worldwide, leading to a severe risk to life and property safety. The present study is carried…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, fire accidents in engineering structures have often been reported worldwide, leading to a severe risk to life and property safety. The present study is carried out to evaluate the performance of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash–blended laterized mortars at elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

This test program includes the replacement of natural river sand with lateritic fine aggregates (lateritic FA) in terms of 0, 50 and 100%. Also, the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with fly ash and GGBS in terms of 10, 20, 30% and 20, 40 and 60%, respectively, for producing blended mortars.

Findings

This paper presents results related to the determination of residual compressive strengths of lateritic fine aggregates-based cement mortars with part replacement of cement by fly ash and GGBS exposed to elevated temperatures. The effect of elevated temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties was evaluated with the help of microstructure studies and the quantification of hydration products.

Originality/value

A sustainable cement mortar was produced by replacing natural river sand with lateritic fine aggregates. The thermal strength deterioration features were assessed by exposing the control specimens and lateritic fine aggregates-based cement mortars to elevated temperatures. Changes in the mechanical properties were evaluated through a quantitative microstructure study using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The phase change of hydration products after exposure to elevated temperatures was qualitatively analyzed by greyscale thresholding of SEM images using Image J software.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2018

Pradipta Chandra, Titas Bhattacharjee and Bhaskar Bhowmick

The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the indicators of institutional barriers hindering the technology transfer training (TTT) process behind the technology…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the indicators of institutional barriers hindering the technology transfer training (TTT) process behind the technology adoption lag affecting the agricultural output in India through development of a scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative technique has been followed for data collection through a close-ended questionnaire scored on the seven-point Likert scale. The sample size was considered as 161; target respondents were farmers and farmer-centric individuals. Data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis technique.

Findings

Factor analysis revealed that there are three significant factors related to TTT process, namely, comprehension, customization and generalization, which are liable for institutional barriers in technology adoption by farmers.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is biasness from both respondents’ end and interviewer’s end might exist during survey due to differences in perception.

Social implications

The key beneficiaries from this research are the small and marginal farming community in India. They can enhance their productivity through an appropriate training process. Corporates will show interest in investment through the mechanism of corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

Under this study, the factors of the institutional barriers from the farmers’ perspective are being introduced as a new research contribution, especially for the resource crunch area of Jangalmahal and other similar places in India.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Richard Ohene Asiedu

The quest to reduce the cost of concrete which is a major construction input has prompted investigations into assessing the suitability of alternative sources of conventional…

Abstract

Purpose

The quest to reduce the cost of concrete which is a major construction input has prompted investigations into assessing the suitability of alternative sources of conventional materials. This paper aims to report the compressive strength and workability of lateritic gravel used as all-in aggregate for concrete production.

Design/methodology/approach

Three prescribed mixes from all-in aggregate concrete were compared with concrete from lateritic gravel. The paper investigated the variation in strength of four different mixes – 100: 0, 90: 10, 80: 20 and 70: 30 – when portions of the lateritic gravel were replaced with pit sand, respectively, using varying water cement ratios to achieve optimal workability.

Findings

The density and compressive strength of each cube was measured on the 7th and 28th test dates. An increase in slump and compressive strength was observed in the lateritic concrete, as portions of the lateritic gravel were replaced with sand. However, the rate of increase in the compressive strength tended to decrease with increase in part replacement of lateritic gravel with sand indicating that there was a threshold of percentage of sand increase after which the compressive strengths are likely to decrease. This work never reached this threshold, but it is estimated to be about 40 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

Investigations focused on lateritic gravel sampled from two sites to represent samples from both the forest and savannah belt.

Practical/implications

Lateritic gravel can be used as all-in aggregate for non-structural concrete.

Originality/value

The compressive strengths achieved were better than those for the available normal all-in aggregate used.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 15 no. 03
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Anjani Kumar, Smriti Verma, Sunil Saroj, Amit Mohan Prasad and Avinash Kishore

The Million Farmers School (MFS) program—also known as Kisan Pathshala was launched to impart training to the farmers by the government of the state of Uttar Pradesh (India) in…

Abstract

Purpose

The Million Farmers School (MFS) program—also known as Kisan Pathshala was launched to impart training to the farmers by the government of the state of Uttar Pradesh (India) in December 2017. This study estimates the impact of training on agricultural knowledge of the farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on household survey conducted in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, during March–May 2019. The authors employed matching methods, the two-stage least square (2SLS)-residual and endogenous switching regression approaches to control for selection bias and endogeneity.

Findings

The results suggest that knowledge outcomes are significantly better among participants vis-à-vis non-participants. The results are robust to different model specifications. Further, the benefits are observed across different regions and social groups.

Research limitations/implications

The MFS program can go a long way in enhancing agricultural know-how and the farmers' economic well-being, bringing a transformative change in the agricultural landscape of UP.

Originality/value

This study is based on a field survey data and analyzes various aspects of the program's impact, design and implementation, and offers implementation advice for greater efficacy in future.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2020

Sheetal Sheetal, Rajiv Kumar and Shashi Shashi

This paper seeks to examine the export competitiveness and concentration level of the 15 top sugar exporting countries over the last 18 years (2001–2018) with special reference to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the export competitiveness and concentration level of the 15 top sugar exporting countries over the last 18 years (2001–2018) with special reference to India.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper utilizes a review based approach and explains the structures of major sugar economies in context to protected and unprotected perspectives. Subsequently, empirical research was carried out to assess the competitiveness level of sugar using Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) approach and Hirschman Herfindahl Index.

Findings

The study found structural changes in cane or beet sugar, and molasses over the time period between 2006 and 2015. Further, the findings confirmed that despite the stringent regulations in European Union, the United States of America, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, China, and India, the comparative advantage is high up to seven to nine sugar categories. Besides, despite the indulgent regulations in the Colombia, Brazil, and Canada, the comparative advantage is only consistent up to two to three sugar categories.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an overview of competitiveness patterns of 15 sugar exporting countries and further compare their comparative and concentration levels. In this context, in future, it would be interesting to study the macro-economic and firm and industry-specific factors which may strengthen the study findings.

Practical implications

This study suggests that the sugar export of few countries (i.e. Mexico and Canada) is restricted up to their trade pacts and free trade zones which is restricting the competitiveness level and performance. Accordingly, such countries need to enlarge their business boundaries to foster their export competitiveness level. Rational subsidies and governmental assistance in diversification schemes in terms of products' range and sustainable processes can make India a consistent exporter in more categories.

Originality/value

Although, the previous studies attempted to examine the sugar industry with particular country context, this study enlarge the body of knowledge through simultaneously examining the sugar export scenario of fifteen sugar exporting countries and providing a broad comparative view of their competitiveness and concentration levels.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2021

Sarfo Mensah, Collins Ameyaw, Blondel Akun Abaitey and Hayford Obeng Yeboah

Over dependence on river/sea sand as building material has impacted the environment negatively. However, laterite, which is an environment-friendly indigenous building material in…

Abstract

Purpose

Over dependence on river/sea sand as building material has impacted the environment negatively. However, laterite, which is an environment-friendly indigenous building material in sub-Saharan Africa, has been less exploited as a suitable alternative. This paper aims to ascertain the optimum cement–laterite mix proportion at which laterite can be stabilized for production of walling units.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an experimental method, laterite was collected from three borrow pit sites. Sieve analysis was performed to determine the particle size distribution. Also, the degree of workability of the cement–laterite mix was ascertained using slump test. Compressive strengths were determined at cement stabilization percentages of 3%, 7% and 10% on 12 cubes of100 mm cast and cured for 14 and 28 days, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the lateritic soil investigated, achieves its optimum strength in 28 days of curing, at a stabilization level of 10%. An average compressive strength of 2.41 N/mm2, which is 20.5% greater than the target strength, was achieved.

Practical implications

To meet the desired compressive strength of alternative walling units while achieving environmental sustainability and efficiency in production, cement stabilization of lateritic soils should become a recommended practice by built environment professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first research works that attempts to determine the optimum level at which the abundant sub-Saharan laterite can be chemically stabilized for the production of non-load bearing walling units. This research promotes an environment-friendly alternative building material to sea sand, river sand and off-shore sand.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 July 2020

Linu Babu, S. Vishnu Mohan, Mahesh Mohan and A.P. Pradeepkumar

This paper aims to examine the geochemical change experienced by laterites in Kerala, India, subjected to tropical monsoonal climate. These sediments are underlain by hard rock…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the geochemical change experienced by laterites in Kerala, India, subjected to tropical monsoonal climate. These sediments are underlain by hard rock. The source rock characteristics have a major stake on the ultimate composition of sediments, as also the climatic conditions which an area experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Core samples have been obtained from several locations in a lateritic plateau. The upper portions of the borehole cores are composed of the lateritic hard cap, followed by lateritic soils. The soil samples were subjected to sediment texture analysis and XRF analysis (Bruker S4 Pioneer Sequential Wavelength-Dispersive XRF) for the determination of major elements ((in oxide form).

Findings

Major element geochemistry has revealed the following order of relative proportions of elements (in oxide form) SiO2 > Al2O3 > Fe2O3 > TiO2 >> Na2O > P2O5 > CaO > K2O > MgO > MnO. Even though the concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 contribute 90% of major element chemistry, there is no significant correlation found for these elements within themselves or with others.

Research limitations/implications

Microscale movement of elements could not be characterised in this study. This requires access to an electron probe micro analyzer.

Practical implications

The practical implication of tropical weathering is that enhanced chemical leaching leads to movement of most elements out of the system, except for Al, leading to the possible formation of bauxite, or aluminous laterite.

Social implications

The weathered products in this study provide livelihood sustenance for many of the local households, through manual production of laterite bricks, which are used in construction.

Originality/value

The indices of the intensity of chemical alteration/weathering like chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW) and weathering index of parker (WIP) reveal that the sediments indicate intense weathering of the source area prior to being deposited in the present location. This indicates enhanced monsoonal activity in the provenance areas, than that obtained today.

Details

Ecofeminism and Climate Change, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-4062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2020

Anjani Kumar, Gaurav Tripathi and P. K. Joshi

New varieties of paddy are constantly being developed in India in order to sustain yield gains in the face of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the authors attempt to…

Abstract

Purpose

New varieties of paddy are constantly being developed in India in order to sustain yield gains in the face of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the authors attempt to identify the drivers for adoption of new varieties of paddy in India; the authors also estimate the impact on yield of the adoption of new paddy varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data consisted of the reported information from approximately 20,000 paddy farmers in India. The study employs Cragg's double-hurdle model to study the probability and intensity of adoption of new varieties; we use regression discontinuity design to estimate the change in yield due to adoption of new varieties.

Findings

The authors’ findings indicate that the adoption of new varieties of paddy in India varies significantly within and between regions; further, the adoption of new varieties is affected by a number of socioeconomic and demographic factors; the authors also find that the adoption of new varieties increases yield significantly.

Research limitations/implications

These are observational data and not based on the experiments. The authors relied on farmers' memory to recall the information.

Originality/value

The authors suggest the formulation of strategic policies that can cater to the needs of regions and states that are lagging behind in the adoption of new paddy varieties.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2023

Krishna Manasvi J., Rajesh Matai and Nagesh N. Murthy

Due to the recent disruptions caused by COVID-19, global supply chains are stress tested. The affected supply chains have interfered with market tonnage prices for the yield of…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the recent disruptions caused by COVID-19, global supply chains are stress tested. The affected supply chains have interfered with market tonnage prices for the yield of perishable products like mangoes that are highly dependent on their quality. This research, through empirical findings, thus determines and comprehends the factors influencing mango quality (size).

Design/methodology/approach

A framework is developed for finding the potential factors of quality building on the previous literature and studies on the available topic. The data collection included face-to-face interviews comprising 240 farmers, hired managers and preharvest contractors in India's Jangaon, Rangareddy and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts of Telangana state. The data analysis is done using multiple regression, and the outcomes form the basis of the design of the experiments model.

Findings

The empirical insights support that the quality of mango is affected by factors such as the number of picking cycles, the cost of fertilizer, the variety of fertilizers used, the variety of pesticides used and pesticide application frequency. The direct implications are the benefit to farmers in improving mango quality and maximizing profit per yield cycle.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first research that has specifically focused on holistically improving the quality(size) of mangoes.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the perishable supply chain literature, specifically to the mango study, to comprehensively showcase the factors impacting the quality of mangoes and provide guidance to farmers regarding orchard practices.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Amobi C. Ekwe, Alexander I. Opara and Obialo S. Onwuka

The corrosivity and competence of soils within Uburu and Okposi areas of the Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria, were evaluated using the electrical resistivity method. This paper…

Abstract

Purpose

The corrosivity and competence of soils within Uburu and Okposi areas of the Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria, were evaluated using the electrical resistivity method. This paper aims to provide information that will aid pre-design of subsurface iron/steel pipe networks for distribution of pipe-borne water and construction of subsurface structures for agricultural and environmental purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 22 vertical electrical soundings (VES) in the Schlumberger configuration were acquired with Allied Ohmega™ Terrameter with a maximum half current (AB/2) electrode spacing of 200 m. Layer parameters were determined using partial curve matching techniques, using the Schlumberger master curves, while processing and modelling were done with the IPI2win™ software. The VES results were interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively to obtain various curve types and layer parameters, respectively, which were used to categorize the area into different competence and corrosivity zones. The first layer isoresistivity and competence maps were used to delineate four zones (A,B,C and D) with varying apparent resistivities and competences.

Findings

Incompetent soils with resistivity values ranging from 24.3-88.7 Om are found in Zone A. The soils in Zone A are mainly expansive clays which swell on absorption of water. Zone B contains moderately competent soils with resistivity values ranging from 273-308.6 Om, while Zones C and D are underlain by sandstones and contain competent to highly competent soils with resistivity values ranging from 511-750 Om and 835-1,525 Om, respectively. Zone E contains highly corrosive (24.3 Om) to mildly corrosive (102 Om) soils; Zone F contains soils that are essentially non-corrosive with resistivity values ranging from 271-1,525 Om, while the corrosivity of soils within Zone G varies from corrosive to mildly corrosive, with resistivity values ranging from 44.3-114 Om.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the areas are not accessible because of community restrictions.

Practical implications

These findings are essentially very significant and should be taken into consideration when materials that are susceptible to corrosion are being considered for engineering, agricultural and environmental purposes in the area.

Social implications

The findings will aid water resource planners and developers on how to protect metal pipes from corrosion, when used for water reticulation and agricultural purposes.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the corrosivity of soils in the study area with a view to providing adequate protection to metal objects when being considered for water reticulation for domestic and agricultural purposes in the area.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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