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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Muneza Kagzi, Sayantan Khanra and Sanjoy Kumar Paul

From a technological determinist perspective, machine learning (ML) may significantly contribute towards sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to synthesize prior…

Abstract

Purpose

From a technological determinist perspective, machine learning (ML) may significantly contribute towards sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to synthesize prior literature on the role of ML in promoting sustainability and to encourage future inquiries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a systematic review of 110 papers that demonstrate the utilization of ML in the context of sustainable development.

Findings

ML techniques may play a vital role in enabling sustainable development by leveraging data to uncover patterns and facilitate the prediction of various variables, thereby aiding in decision-making processes. Through the synthesis of findings from prior research, it is evident that ML may help in achieving many of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial investigations that conducted a comprehensive examination of the literature concerning ML’s contribution to sustainability. The analysis revealed that the research domain is still in its early stages, indicating a need for further exploration.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Devendra Pratap Singh, Vijay Kumar Dwivedi and Mayank Agarwal

The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate the impact of varying proportions of reinforcement on the mechanical properties of a modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composite…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate the impact of varying proportions of reinforcement on the mechanical properties of a modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composite under self-pouring temperature conditions. This study aims to determine the optimal mixture proportion of fine powders of Al, Si and xAl2O3 (with x values of 2%, 3% and 4%) through the application of design of experiment (DoE) and statistical analysis using the Minitab software. This study also involved evaluating the microstructural estimation and other physical properties of the cast composite to understand the combined effect of the reinforcement proportion on the material’s properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers initially mixed the powders through ball milling and then compacted the moisture-free powder mix in a closed steel die. The resulting preforms were heated at the self-pouring temperature in an inert environment to fabricate the final cast composite. By applying DoE and performing an analysis of variance (ANOVA), the researchers sought to optimize the mixture proportion that would yield the best mechanical properties.

Findings

The experimental results indicated that a mixture combination of 83.5% Al blended with 12.5% Si and 4% Al2O3 led to the greatest improvement in mechanical properties, specifically in terms of increased density, hardness and impact strength. The ANOVA further supported the interaction effect of each processing parameter on the observed results. The results of this study offer valuable insights for the fabrication of modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composites under self-pouring temperature conditions. The identified optimal mixture proportion provides guidance for manufacturing processes and material selection to achieve improved mechanical properties in similar applications.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a specific composite material consisting of modified Al2O3 and LM6. Although Al2O3 and LM6 have been studied individually in various contexts, the combination of these materials and their impact on mechanical properties under self-pouring temperature conditions is a novel aspect of this research. The researchers use DoE methodology, along with statistical analysis using Minitab software, to optimize the mixture proportion and analyze the data. This systematic approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the parameter space and the identification of significant factors that influence the mechanical properties of the composite.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2023

Fatima Harbate, Nouh Izem, Mohammed Seaid and Dia Zeidan

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the two-phase flow problems involving gas–liquid mixture.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the two-phase flow problems involving gas–liquid mixture.

Design/methodology/approach

The governed equations consist of a range of conservation laws modeling a classification of two-phase flow phenomena subjected to a velocity nonequilibrium for the gas–liquid mixture. Effects of the relative velocity are accounted for in the present model by a kinetic constitutive relation coupled to a collection of specific equations governing mass and volume fractions for the gas phase. Unlike many two-phase models, the considered system is fully hyperbolic and fully conservative. The suggested relaxation approach switches a nonlinear hyperbolic system into a semilinear model that includes a source relaxation term and characteristic linear properties. Notably, this model can be solved numerically without the use of Riemann solvers or linear iterations. For accurate time integration, a high-resolution spatial reconstruction and a Runge–Kutta scheme with decreasing total variation are used to discretize the relaxation system.

Findings

The method is used in addressing various nonequilibrium two-phase flow problems, accompanied by a comparative study of different reconstructions. The numerical results demonstrate the suggested relaxation method’s high-resolution capabilities, affirming its proficiency in delivering accurate simulations for flow regimes characterized by strong shocks.

Originality/value

While relaxation methods exhibit notable performance and competitive features, as far as we are aware, there has been no endeavor to address nonequilibrium two-phase flow problems using these methods.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

Mohammad Reza Adlparvar, Morteza Esmaeili and Mohammad Hossein Taghavi Parsa

This paper aims to study the influence of the presence of steel and polyolefin (PO) fibers on the mechanical and durability properties of fiber and hybrid fiber-reinforced…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of the presence of steel and polyolefin (PO) fibers on the mechanical and durability properties of fiber and hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC and HFRC).

Design/methodology/approach

Hooked-end steel fibers having a length of 35 mm were applied at four different fiber content 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%, respectively. PO fibers having the length of 45 mm were also replaced with steel fibers at three different fiber content, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0%, to provide HFRC. The compressive, indirect tensile and flexural strengths; electrical resistivity; and water absorption were evaluated in this study.

Findings

The results showed that the addition of both steel and PO fibers led to improvements in the mechanical properties of FRC and HFRC. However, the replacement of steel fibers with PO fibers led to a slight loss in mechanical properties. Also, it was concluded that the addition of various types of fibers to concrete decreased both the electrical resistivity and water absorption compared with the control sample. Finally, distance-based approach analysis was used to select the most optimal mix designs.

Originality/value

According to this method, the HFRC specimen including 1.2% of steel and 0.8% of PO fibers was the most optimal mix design among all fiber-reinforced mix designs.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2022

Reza Amini and Pooneh Kardar

This paper aims to achieve phosphating via optimal features of Mg metal as a suitable base coating, which is considered for other properties such as barrier properties against the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to achieve phosphating via optimal features of Mg metal as a suitable base coating, which is considered for other properties such as barrier properties against the passage of several factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, in the phosphate bath, immersion time, temperature and the content of sodium nitrite as an accelerator were changed.

Findings

As a result, increasing the immersion time of AZ31 Mg alloy samples in the phosphating bath as well as increasing the ratio of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentration to sodium nitrite concentration in the phosphating bath formulation increase the mass of phosphating formed per unit area of the Mg alloy. The results of the scanning electron microscope test showed phosphating is not completely formed in short immersion times, which is a thin and uneven layer.

Research limitations/implications

Mg and its alloys are sensitive to galvanic corrosion, which would lead to generating several holes in the metal. As such, it causes a decrease in mechanical stability as well as an unfavorable appearance.

Practical implications

Mg is used in several industries such as automobile and computer parts, mobile phones, astronaut compounds, sports goods and home appliances.

Social implications

Nevertheless, Mg has high chemical reactivity, so an oxide-hydroxide layer is formed on its surface, which has a harmful effect on the adhesion and uniformity of the coating applied on Mg.

Originality/value

By increasing the ratio of SDS concentration to sodium nitrite concentration in the phosphating bath, the corrosion resistance of the phosphating increases.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 December 2023

David P. Baker

A hybrid of architectural design and engineering, architectural engineers (AEs)design and remediate problems with internal and external structures and systems of building and…

Abstract

A hybrid of architectural design and engineering, architectural engineers (AEs)design and remediate problems with internal and external structures and systems of building and facilities in the US. Trained and credentialed in academic programs awarding approximately 1,000 degrees annually, AE is a mid-sized specialty engineering degree comparable to computer software, nuclear, or materials engineering. The case outlines the origins and history of the occupation and illustrates three aspects of the academization process: integration of the university’s charter for knowledge production within an occupation; possibilities for conflict and power within universities that can shape occupational outcomes; and the role of the university and collaborations with practitioners in creating change in theoretical conceptions, on-the-job skills, and problem-solving strategies. AE demonstrates academization in a field with specific physical outcomes and functional requirements that are technically bounded. As counterfactuals, possible alternative occupational paths for the work roles of AEs are considered, along with reasons why they did not happen. What did occur demonstrates the impact of the academization process, with both credentialing and new research. AE is an informative example of constructed functionalism, formed and continually shaped by the university.

Details

How Universities Transform Occupations and Work in the 21st Century: The Academization of German and American Economies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-849-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2023

Yunchu Yang, Hengyu Wang, Hangyu Yan, Yunfeng Ni and Jinyu Li

The heat transfer properties play significant roles in the thermal comfort of the clothing products. The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between heat transfer…

Abstract

Purpose

The heat transfer properties play significant roles in the thermal comfort of the clothing products. The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between heat transfer properties and fabrics' structure, yarn properties and predict the effective thermal conductivity of single layer woven fabrics by a parametric mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the weave unit was divided into four types of element regions, including yarn overlap regions, yarn crossing regions, yarn floating regions and pore regions. Second, the number and area proportion of each region were calculated respectively. Some formulas were created to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of each element region based on serial model, parallel model or series–parallel mixing model. Finally, according to the number and area proportion of each region in weave unit, the formulas were established to calculate the fabric overall effective thermal conductivity in thickness direction based on the parallel models.

Findings

The influences of yarn spacing, yarn width, fabric thickness, the compressing coefficients of air layers and weave type on the effective thermal conductivity were further discussed respectively. In this model, the relationships between the effective thermal conductivity and each parameter are some polynomial fitting curves with different orders. Weave type affects the change of effective thermal conductivity mainly through the numbers of different elements and their area ratios.

Originality/value

In this model, the formulas were created respectively to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of each element region and whole weave unit. The serial–parallel mixing characteristics of yarn and surrounding air are considered, as well as the compression coefficients of air layers. The results of this study can be further applied to the optimal design of mixture fabrics with different warp and filling yarn densities or different yarn thermal properties.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Anna Torres, Leonor Vacas de Carvalho, Joana Cesar Machado, Michel van de Velden and Patrício Costa

Focusing on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are characterized by resource restrictions, this paper aims to explore consumer segment profiles by considering…

Abstract

Purpose

Focusing on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are characterized by resource restrictions, this paper aims to explore consumer segment profiles by considering demographic, personality and creativity traits to determine whether consumers with different profiles exhibit distinct affective reactions to different logo design types (organic, cultural and abstract).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study incorporates recent methodological developments, such as the novel response style correction method, to account for response style effects in evaluations of affect toward logo design. In separate analyses, respondents are segmented according to response style–corrected logo affect and personality and creativity items. The segmentation analysis relies on reduced k-means, a joint dimension and cluster analysis method, which accounts for dependencies between items while maximizing between-cluster variability. A total of 866 respondents from the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal: n = 543; Spain: n = 323) participated.

Findings

Based on a study using unknown logos (proxy for lower levels of budget communication, characteristics of SMEs), results reveal that there are three segments of consumers based on their affective response toward logo design: logo design insensitives, cultural logo dislikers and organic logo lovers. These segments are associated with different personality traits, creativity and biological sex (although biological sex is not a discriminant variable).

Research limitations/implications

The decision not to control logos by color, to increase external validity, could limit the study’s internal validity if this aspect interacts with relevant study variables. Nevertheless, the empirical evidence can be used to further test associations between consumer profiles and responses to logo design.

Practical implications

Findings highlight the relevance of considering complex profile segments, combining demographics, psychographics and creativity to predict affective consumer responses to brand logo design. This research provides guidelines for SMEs when choosing or modifying their logo design to appeal to different consumer segments.

Originality/value

This study provides managers of SMEs (less present nowadays in empirical studies) with evidence suggesting that complex customer profiles help to understand differences in affective responses to natural logo designs. Furthermore, it relies on the use of a novel methodological development that improves the accuracy of the exploratory study developed.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed, Maryam Khoshbakht and George Baird

This paper aims to illustrate the extensive benefits of qualitative data analysis as a rarely undertaken process in post-occupancy evaluation surveys. As a result, there is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the extensive benefits of qualitative data analysis as a rarely undertaken process in post-occupancy evaluation surveys. As a result, there is limited evidence of what occupants say about their buildings, especially for operational parameters, as opposed to how they rate them. While quantitative analyses provide useful information on how workers feel about workplace operational factors, qualitative analyses provide richer information on what aspects of the workplace workers identify as influential to their comfort, well-being and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed 6,938 comments from office buildings worldwide on workers’ perception of workplace operational factors: design, storage, needs, space at desks and storage in their work environments. These factors were analysed based on the buildings’ design intent and use, and the associated comments were coded into positive, negative and balanced comments. The authors used a combination of coding, descriptive analysis, content analysis and word cloud to dissect the comments.

Findings

The findings showed that whereas workers rated these operational factors favourably, there were significantly more negative comments about each factor. Also, the Chi-square test showed a significant association (p < 0.01) between the satisfaction scale and the type of comments received for all the operational factors. This means that when a factor is rated high in the satisfaction score (5–7), there were fewer negative and more positive comments and vice versa. The word cloud analysis highlighted vital aspects of the office environment the workers mostly commented on, such as open plan design, natural lighting, space and windows, toilets, facilities, kitchens, meeting room booking systems, storage and furniture.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of dissecting building occupants’ comments as integral to building performance monitoring and measurement. These emphasise the richness and value of respondents’ comments and the importance of critically analysing them. A limitation is that only 6,938 comments were viable for analysis because most comments were either incomplete with no meaning or were not provided. This underlines the importance of encouraging respondents to comment and express their feelings in questionnaire surveys. Also, the building use studies questionnaire data set presents extensive opportunities for further analyses of interrelationships between demographics, building characteristics and environmental and operational factors.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can be applied to future projects and facility management to maintain and improve office buildings throughout their life cycle. Also, these findings are essential in predicting the requirements of future workplaces for robust workplace designs and management.

Originality/value

The authors identified specific comments on the performance of workplaces across the globe, showing similarities and differences between sustainable, conventional, commercial and institutional buildings. Specifically, the analysis showed that office workers’ comments do not always corroborate the ratings they give their buildings. There was a significantly higher percentage of negative comments than positive comments despite the high satisfaction scores of the operational factors.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2022

Rajat Yadav, Anas Islam and Vijay Kumar Dwivedi

The purpose of this paper is to study Al-based green composite. To make composite samples of aluminium alloy (AA3105) with different weight percentages of rice husk ash (RHA) and…

62

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study Al-based green composite. To make composite samples of aluminium alloy (AA3105) with different weight percentages of rice husk ash (RHA) and eggshell (ES) particles as reinforcement, stir casting method was used.

Design/methodology/approach

Several other aspects, including the weight percent of reinforcing agent particles, the applied stress and the sliding speed, were taken into consideration. During the course of the wear test, the sliding distance that was recorded varied from a minimum of 1,000 m all the way up to a maximum of 3,135 m (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min). The typical range for normal loads is 8–24 N, and their speed is 1.58 m/s.

Findings

With the AA/ES/RHA composite, the wear rates decreases when the grain size of the reinforcing particles enhanced. Scanning electron microscopy images of worn surfaces show that at low speeds, delaminating and ploughing are the main causes of wear. At high speeds, ploughing is major cause of wear. Composites with better wear-resistant properties can be used in wide range of tribological applications, especially in the automotive industry. It was found that hardness increases at the same time as the weight of the reinforcement increases. Tensile and hardness were maximized at 10% reinforcement mix in Al3105.

Originality/value

In this work, ES and RHA has been used to develop green metal matrix composite to support green revolution as promoted/suggested by United Nations thus reducing the environmental pollution.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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