Search results

The present work focuses on evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) by replacing the sodium silicate waste (SSW) in place of traditional river sand. The aim is to create eco-friendly concrete that mitigates the depletion of conventional river sand and conserves natural resources. Additionally, the study seeks to explore how the moisture content of filler materials affects the performance of GPC.

SSW obtained from the sodium silicate industry was used as filler material in the production of GPC, which was cured at ambient temperature. Instead of the typical conventional river sand, SSW was substituted at 25 and 50% of its weight. Three distinct moisture conditions were applied to both river sand and SSW. These conditions were classified as oven dry (OD), air dry (AD) and saturated surface dry (SSD).

As the proportion of SSW increased, there was a decrease in the slump of the GPC. The setting time was significantly affected by the higher percentage of SSW. The presence of angular-shaped SSW particles notably improved the compressive strength of GPC when replacing a portion of the river sand with SSW. When exposed to elevated temperatures, the performance of the GPC with SSW exhibited similar behavior to that of the mix containing conventional river sand, but it demonstrated a lower residual strength following exposure to elevated temperatures.

Exploring the possible utilization of SSW as a substitute for river sand in GPC, and its effects on the performance of the proposed mix. Analyzing, how varying moisture conditions affect the performance of GPC containing SSW. Evaluating the response of the GPC with SSW exposed to elevated temperatures in contrast to conventional river sand.

This study aims to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of Marble-stone and Kota-stone flooring options widely used for buildings in India. The study discusses the possibility of carbon sequestration through Bamboo cultivation in India.

The study has followed a standard life cycle assessment (LCA) framework based on ISO 14040 guidelines. Three distinct phases have been compared on midpoint and endpoint assessment categories – raw material, polishing and disposal. Primary data has been collected from the construction site in India, and secondary data has been collected from the Ecoinvent 3.0 database. Previous studies have been referred to discuss and calculate the area of bamboo cultivation required to sequestrate the generated carbon from the flooring.

The study has found that endpoint category damage to resources, and midpoint categories of climate change, metal depletion and agricultural land use are highly impacted in building floorings. The study has also found that the Marble-stone floor generates higher environmental impacts than the Kota-stone floor in most of the midpoint and endpoint impact categories. This difference is significant in the raw material phase due to the different compositions of stones. The study also found that Bamboo has excellent potential to act as a carbon sink and mitigate the generated carbon.

This study excludes human labour, cutting and distribution of floor tiles made of Marble-stone and Kota-stone. The researcher can use the study to evaluate, compare and benchmark the various building flooring options from the environmental perspective. The study aids to the body of knowledge available on the various building flooring options by presenting the LCA or the environmental impacts generated by two flooring options. It is expected that the architects and builders can use these results to develop carbon-neutral buildings. This study provides a methodology for governments, constructors, builders and individuals to evaluate, compare and benchmark the various construction materials from the environmental perspective by computing the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of the materials.

This study compares two widely used building flooring options using the LCA methodology and evaluates the potential of bamboo cultivation near the buildings for carbon sinks. The study is unique because it shows the environmental impacts of two flooring options and the carbon sequestration method to mitigate/absorb the generated environmental impacts in or around the building itself through bamboo cultivation. This study may set the foundation for carbon-neutral buildings.

The number of people with special needs, including citizens and military personnel, has increased as a result of terrorist attacks and challenging conditions in Iraq and other countries. With almost 80% of the world’s amputees having below-the-knee amputations, Iraq has become a global leader in the population of amputees. Important components found in lower limb prostheses include the socket, pylon (shank), prosthetic foot and connections.

There are two types of prosthetic feet: articulated and nonarticulated. The solid ankle cushion heel foot is the nonarticulated foot that is most frequently used. The goal of this study is to use a composite filament to create a revolutionary prosthetic foot that will last longer, have better dorsiflexion and be more stable and comfortable for the user. The current study, in addition to pure polylactic acid (PLA) filament, 3D prints test items using a variety of composite filaments, such as PLA/wood, PLA/carbon fiber and PLA/marble, to accomplish this goal. The experimental step entails mechanical testing of the samples, which includes tensile testing and hardness evaluation, and material characterization by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer analysis. The study also presents a novel design for the nonarticulated foot that was produced with SOLIDWORKS and put through ANSYS analysis. Three types of feet are produced using PLA, PLA/marble and carbon-covered PLA/marble materials. Furthermore, the manufactured prosthetic foot undergoes testing for dorsiflexion and fatigue.

The findings reveal that the newly designed prosthetic foot using carbon fiber-covered PLA/marble material surpasses the PLA and PLA/marble foot in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness and weight.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to use composite filaments not previously used, such as PLA/wood, PLA/carbon fiber and PLA/marble, to design and produce a new prosthetic foot with a longer lifespan, improved dorsiflexion, greater stability and enhanced comfort for the patient. Beside the experimental work, a numerical technique specifically the finite element method, is used to assess the mechanical behavior of the newly designed foot structure.

This study aims to examine the perceptions and opinions of relevant stakeholders regarding entrepreneurship opportunities and growth in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) province of Pakistan. Specifically, it focuses on the role of special economic zones (SEZs), such as Maqpondass SEZ and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in fostering nascent entrepreneurship (NE) and promoting regional development.

The study employs ordered logistic regression to estimate the relationship between various independent variables and nascent entrepreneurship (NE). The independent variables include awareness of CPEC (AAC), awareness of Maqpondass SEZ (AAMEZ), SEZ incentives (SEZInc), regional market competitiveness (RMC), loan availability (LA) and education and experience (EE).

The findings indicate a robust positive relationship between SEZ-based industries and the growth of local small businesses and enterprises in Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, the study suggests that government incentives, access to finance, skill development, relevant knowledge, and connections with local businesses facilitate the establishment of new ventures.

The study underscores the importance of focusing on human capital development, providing financial assistance, and creating incentives for adopting advanced technology to foster the growth of local businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan through SEZs. It emphasizes the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing novel insights into the perceptions of entrepreneurship development in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly concerning the influence of natural resources and SEZs. It fills a gap in the research by offering valuable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable economic development in the region.

Heritage buildings are a witness to previous civilizations and constitute important elements in transmitting cultural identity through generations. In 1938, Alexandria University was established; it was called the University of Farouk at the time. In 1952, the university was named “Alexandria University,” and since then, it has witnessed growth and expansion in several fields. The research aims to preserve the heritage of this academic institution. It seeks to document this wealth of buildings that tell the story of the second-earliest university in Egypt.

A mixed-method approach was employed. A descriptive method was used to narrate the history of the university and the importance of its buildings. Within the quantitative approach, a questionnaire was chosen as the survey instrument for collecting the data within the research case study. The aim was to determine the awareness of students, staff and employees of the heritage importance of their faculty. Within the qualitative approach, several interviews were conducted with employees in the engineering departments of the university administrative building at Chatby and some of the selected faculties. The aim was to determine the methods used for the conservation of these buildings.

Alexandria University has a heritage value not only in its great history but also through its heritage buildings. Raising the awarness of the university's affiliates of this heritage will lead to enhance the feelings of loyalty and belongings to the university. Therefore, preserving this heritage and properly managing it is crucial.

Universities have to recognize that their built heritage constitutes a unique expression that can create a distinctive sense of place. University heritage is crucial in defining and interpreting the university cultural identity. The institution must identify resources that will help build a new public image and contribute to develop a successful brand. Campus appearance is an important factor that has a significant impact on student feelings of loyalty and belonging.

Food manufacturing supply chain systems are the most relevant wheels of the world economy since they provide essential products supporting daily life. Nevertheless, various supply inefficiencies have been reported to compromise food safety in different regions. Sustainable supplier management and digitalization practices have become cornerstone activities in addressing these shortcomings. Therefore, this paper proposes an integrated method for sustainability management in digital manufacturing supply chain systems (DMSCS) from the food industry.

The Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IF-AHP) was used to weigh the criteria and subcriteria under uncertainty. Second, the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (IF-DEMATEL) was applied to determine the main DMSCS sustainability drivers whilst incorporating the expert's hesitancy. Finally, the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) was implemented to pinpoint the weaknesses hindering DMSCS sustainability. A case study from the pork supply chain was presented to validate this method.

The most important criterion for DMSCS sustainability management is “location” while “manufacturing capacity” is the most significant dispatcher.

This paper presents a novel approach integrating IF-AHP, IF-DEMATEL, and CoCoSo methods for sustainability management of DMSCS pillaring the food industry.

The extant literature underlines the inadequacies of legal and policy frameworks addressing the safety and health concerns of sandstone mineworkers in India. Notably, Rajasthan, a state renowned for its extractive industries, mirrors these concerns. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to critically evaluate the relevant legal and policy landscape, with an emphasis on the recent central statute: the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code of 2020 (OSHWCC). Given that the Code subsumes the key legislation pertaining to the safety and health of mineworkers, an in-depth critical analysis is essential to forge suitable policy interventions to address continued gross violations of human rights.

The critical analysis of legal and policy frameworks on silicosis in sandstone mineworkers is based on a comprehensive reading of existing literature. The literature includes relevant laws, case law, reports of the Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission and National Human Rights Commission, publicly available data and key scholarly contributions in the field.

Although the OSHWCC has made some changes to the existing regulatory architecture of mines in India, it has failed to safeguard the safety and health of mineworkers. Notably, the vast majority of mines in India – constituting approximately 90%, which are informal, seasonal and small-scale – remain beyond the jurisdiction of this Code. In Rajasthan, there are specific policies on silicosis, but these policies are poorly implemented. There is a serious shortage of doctors to diagnose silicosis cases, leading to under-diagnosis. The compensation for silicosis victims is insufficient; the distribution mechanism is complex and often delayed.

The central and many state governments have not established the regulatory institutions envisaged under the OSHWCC 2020; therefore, the working of the regulatory institutions could not be critically examined.

The paper critically evaluates laws and policies pertaining to silicosis in sandstone mineworkers, with a special emphasis on the state of Rajasthan. It offers a comprehensive critique of the OSHWCC of 2020, which has not received much attention from previous studies.